Honda left out of 2015 in-season engine development

It is now confirmed that Formula One's current engine manufacturers will not be bound on the engine homologation deadline and will instead be able to develop their engines throughout 2015.

At the beginning of 2014, all manufacturers had to homologate their engines before the final winter test, fixing the powertrain specification until the end of the season, except for developments specifically designed to improve reliability or safety and to reduce costs. In each case, a formal FIA approval had to be granted.

It appears now that Ferrari's interpretation of the 2015 regulations has been accepted, allowing current manufacturers to spread their 32 performance development tokens across the season. As such, they can opt to stick to a proven 2014 item until a 2015 version is completely verified and developed for racing.

Importantly for newcomers Honda though is that they will not be able to spread their development, as they have to oblige to a homologation date of 28 February.

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport correctly analysed: “Newcomers [like Honda] have no tokens in the first year. Until their engine is homologated at the end of February, they are completely free to develop, but after that they may only upgrade on grounds of reliability, cost or safety”.

McLaren chief Ron Dennis has reportedly already expressed his concern about the rules as it may disadvantage his team throughout 2015.

It appears though that without unanimous approval among teams, and despite Honda's push, the engine 'unfreeze' will hinge on the interpretation of the current regulations as Mercedes appears unwilling to accept more engine development, as Renault and Ferrari requested.