McLaren: Honda annoyed by engine situation, no FP1 for Magnussen
After the engine thaw allowed for the 2015 season, Renault, Ferrari, and Mercedes, only Honda is not permitted to develop their engine during the season. Meanwhile, Kevin Magnussen will not have any running sessions on Friday mornings.
The FIA announced an engine unfreeze for the 2015 season for power units that are already homologated, which excludes Honda. However, the McLaren-Honda team has contacted the FIA to clarify this point, but no comments have been made public at this time. If Honda is unable to develop their engine during the season, Ferrari and Renault will have the opportunity to catch up with Mercedes. However, Mercedes will also be able to improve their engine.
The Japanese engine manufacturer has until February 28 to present a final version of its engine for the 2015 season. Why does Honda have to make a definitive version of its engine by the end of February? The reason is simple because last season’s rivals were unable to develop their engine during the season.
Only Honda is not satisfied and will meet with the FIA next week to discuss the current situation. For one of the senior officials of one of Honda’s competitors, these changes will not make much difference.
Honda will make its return this season in F1 after six years of absence. The Japanese company will have the opportunity to file a protest against Ferrari, which has discovered a loophole in the FIA regulations. For now, Renault, Ferrari, and Mercedes have made no statements according to the BBC.
On the drivers’ side, Kevin Magnussen will have to be content with watching Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button in 2015. On Twitter, the McLaren Honda driver revealed that he will not be driving in 2015: « No, no Friday practice sessions for me this year. I will be an attentive observer from the pit wall. »
