Honda Faces a Difficult Pre-Season Test; A Challenging start to the Partnership

The Japanese Manufacturer is off to a rough start with Aston Martin this season, with less runtime over the pre-season testing sessions.

The team’s late arrival to the Barcelona shakedown and only 65 laps under its belt before teams headed to Bahrain for testing raised eyebrows in the paddock.

Pre-Season Test

Across six days of testing, the Aston Martin and Honda could only clock an extra 329 laps. The situation worsened on the final day as the team set just six laps before concluding its run for the day.

The Problem

Honda managing director, Ikui Takeshi, told Motorsport.com, “During the pre-season tests, we noticed some abnormal vibrations. I think the main cause of the problem was that these abnormal vibrations caused damage to the battery system”.

“In response to this, we are of course investigating the cause on the PU (power unit) side and will be taking measures. At the same time, we are also taking measures on the car side”.

Performance at the Test

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso faced difficulty taming the “AMR 26” (Aston Martin Racing) when he encountered problems under braking and came to a halt shortly after during Thursday’s session at Sakhir (Bahrain).

Not the First Time

Alonso has been unlucky before with Honda power units. Honda supplied power units to Mclaren F1 team from season 2015 to 108. Three forgettable years for the team as the partnership didn’t go as planned.

Alonso’s Message

During the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso expressed his frustration through a sarcastic radio message. He said, “I don’t know, mate. Put whatever tyre you want. The last sector is impossible, so even if you put on a rocket ship, we will still be 11th.”

Company Goals

Although the circumstances don’t look in favour of the team, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said the goals have not shifted.