Honda may have new regs F1 engine already designed

[John S]

But are waiting to push the button on comeback.                  

I guess if they have to choose a partner either McLaren or Williams would make the most sense to get some serious results.  

Honda insiders have confirmed that the Japanese firm is contemplating a return to Formula 1 as an engine  supplier. It is claimed by many in Japan that a new 1.6 litre V6 engine has already been designed, but that the manufacturer will wait until its new for 2014 two litre turbo Formula Nippon / GT500 engine is ready before taking the F1 project further.

“The rumours are not unfounded but we have not decided anything, we are constantly evaluating the situation” explained a company source. Many in Europe are already connecting the McLaren team to a Honda engine supply recreative the very succesful partnership of the late 1980′s.
 
Just designing and developing and engine means little however, Honda has a long record of F1 projects, many of which never took to the track. Complete cars were built and tested around the early 1990′s as well as in 1995 and 1999, though none of them ever took part in a race, indeed Honda is known for building projects in its top secret facility at Tochigi to improve its technical understanding.
 
The engine used in the new WTCC Civic was already running on the test bench before the idea of WTCC participation was even discussed in the firm, which is by its own admission under pressure from European dealers to take part in more international motorsport. Whilst the WTCC engine meets the World Rally Championship and R5 regulations and the championship looks very strong with Citroen, Mini, Hyundai, Ford and Volkswagen all offering cars the firm confirmed that it had no interest in international rallying and would not build a World Rally Car.

Racecar-engineering.com, 23rd Oct.

[Irisado]

I'm a touch sceptical.  Would they really go so far in designing an engine with the rules still as up in the air as they are?  I know that 1.6 V6 engines have been discussed, but there has been a lot of doubt expressed about them recently.

There's also the issue of Honda and follow through.  They have a history of not seeing their Formula 1 projects through to fruition.

[John S]

With the money Renault, Merc and Ferrari have put into developing the 2014 new spec F1 engines there is no way back. Even Bernie has admitted as much during interviews at the Indian GP, he's now fighting to kill the electric only pit lane element instead. Renault have even revealed their new unit to Racecar Engineering mag:-

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/renault-reveals-2014-f1-engine/

[Irisado]

That adds more credibility to the Honda story in that case.  Thanks for the link.

I still have concerns about their follow through though, but that said, a partnership with McLaren would make sense, given that I'm sure that McLaren are not really too keen to continue to be a Mercedes customer team.

[Willy]

Hey maybe they'll run a team...I hear Craig Pollack is available.

[Scott]

Hey maybe they'll run a team...I hear Craig Pollack is available.

 

[Monty]

If they are the least bit serious they would need an engine ready for test already to have any chance - therefore, the rumour could be true.
I have been saying for ages that for the new Turbo era there will be a McLaren / Honda. Maybe I will be proved right (for once!).

[cosworth151]

I wonder about the rumors that McLaren would start building their own engines.

[F1fanaticBD]

Seems like a few mad car fanatics(which I very much like) are in Honda factory, who keep up coming with every possible engine they could made.

How come you made an engine before you firm confirmation, and according to the news not even in table?

I would love to see these fellows return to F1. But for heaven's sake no earth car please..