Honda returns to F1 in 2015

[WhiteBlue]

I know they could test it in a customer LMP car because the entire power unit is eligible for LMP1 next year. The FIA or whoever couldn't prevent from using the motor in a different race class.

Actually Jean Todt was instrumental to bring the LMP1 and F1 specs closer together. The FiA would like to see both series with similar engines because they think it would attract more manufacturers to both series. But FOM isn't pleased by that policy. They want to keep F1 very special and different. Personally I'm more in Todt's camp on the question.
On topic one has to say that all F1 manufacturers have the opportunity to run their F1 engines in LMP1, not only Honda.

[beelsebob]

Heard rumors about Allison moving to Honda. But I also heard Honda is not allowed to test new engine in any kind of car. Only dyno.

Are they contractually bound?

I know they could test it in a customer LMP car because the entire power unit is eligible for LMP1 next year. The FIA or whoever couldn't prevent from using the motor in a different race class.

No, but they could prevent them from using the motor in F1 because it had been used in a different race class

[shelly]

If this rumor about a test bed f1 car is true, will Honda use again Dallara as manufacturer-supplier? They worked together in 1998 and they are working together in IRL, F nippon

[simplefan]

Not to worried about Honda testing anything beyond an engine on a testbed as the IP rules prohibit their getting information on what is being used either by Mercedes or Pirelli in 2014. They won't have access to either the specs or the actual tires in 2014 as that information and tire is IP shared only between Pirelli and legal entrants. The only Pirelli available might the tires used for demo runs and that would be a build for cars previous to 2014. Engine information is Mercedes IP and that should even limit the flow of McLaren engine related info to Honda.

[Pierce89]

I know they could test it in a customer LMP car because the entire power unit is eligible for LMP1 next year. The FIA or whoever couldn't prevent from using the motor in a different race class.

No, but they could prevent them from using the motor in F1 because it had been used in a different race class

Surely not, as there's no rule to that effect, but then again, I wouldn't put anything past the F1 "governance".

[Cam]

No, but they could prevent them from using the motor in F1 because it had been used in a different race class

Is that an actual current regulation, or are you suggesting it could be inserted in a timely fashion for the 2104 regulations (which have not been finalised have they?)?

[beelsebob]

No, but they could prevent them from using the motor in F1 because it had been used in a different race class

Is that an actual current regulation, or are you suggesting it could be inserted in a timely fashion for the 2104 regulations (which have not been finalised have they?)?

It's not currently in the rules, but it's something that could trivially be added. For reference, you're looking for appendix 4 of the sporting regs re the current engine homologation rules. The 2014 sporting regs have not even been published in draft state yet. Note, if the homologation rules are phrased in the same way, then come 2014, Honda will actually have to deliver their engine to the FIA before the 2014 season, and will not be able to change it after that.

[WhiteBlue]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ ... gulations/
There is a rumor that Honda will enter an LMP1 20124 with Wirth. In that case Allison may join that project. They could have an LMP1 test mule for the engine and McLaren build their 2015 car with Allison when his gardening leave expires. That would make some sense.

[MOWOG]

This is not DIRECTLY related to this thread, but it does sort of illustrate the corporate culture of Honda:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... xy4n0UT82o[/youtube]

[djos]

A very clever ad but Honda have been almost as boring as Toyota for years now!

I don't even consider their cars (or Toyota's) now when buying a car!

[WhiteBlue]

Honda announce new European base for F1 in Milton Keynes

With the confirmation of a new F1 operation base in UK, our preparation to join F1 has become more specific and concrete. To meet and exceed the expectations of our fans, we will accelerate our development to bring back the unique Honda engine sound onto the track.

[gary123]

http://translate.google.it/translate?hl ... on-keynes/
here it is a translate article

[MOWOG]

Honda denies plans for 2014 Honda test car

Honda has categorically denied reports it will build a test car in order to get track running of McLaren's 2015 engine off to an early start. We reported last month that work on a Honda test car could start this year, long before the Japanese marque is bound by F1's regulations governing its 2015 foray. "This (report) is untrue," McLaren spokesman told us at the time.

Honda has now issued the same denial. "We will not build such a vehicle," Speed Week correspondent Rob La Salle quoted Honda chief Yasuhisa Arai as saying. "The first track testing will happen during the winter testing ahead of the 2015 season," he announced.

Arai said Honda's test benches in Tochigi, Japan, are so good that building a bespoke test car is not necessary. "I've heard the rumours," he admitted, "but we have no such plans."

[SectorOne]

Honda denies plans for 2014 Honda test car

"Honda has categorically denied reports it will build a test car in order to

Ron Dennis who wrote the article?

[xpensive]

Honda denies plans for 2014 Honda test car
...

And what did you xpect them to say, are all New England liberals this gullible when they come of age?