[F1] McLaren-Honda interim F1 car to run at Silverstone

McLaren-Honda interim F1 car to run at Silverstone on Friday

Honda to re-enter as Formula 1 engine supplier for McLaren

McLaren has been working on a development car to test the basic installation of Honda's engine, and confirmed on Thursday that the unit will make its track debut at the home of the British Grand Prix tomorrow.

Revealing its plans via Twitter, the team said it will be "parading the interim Honda-engined MP4-29H" as part of the filming day, which will carry the usual tyre and mileage restrictions.





Honda's new Formula 1 engine will run on track for the first time on Friday, as McLaren's development MP4-29H makes its first appearance at Silverstone.

Ahead of the Japanese car manufacturer's return to F1 in 2015, it has been pushing to try to get some track testing of its new turbo engine done before the end of this year.

McLaren has been building a development car to test the installation of the new power unit, and had been hoping that work had progressed enough for it to be able to join the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test.



Can Honda make McLaren win again?

Turning your back on Formula 1's best engine seems bold, but McLaren's Eric Boullier argues it is the only way to win<br>With Honda confident that it is ready, the team has confirmed that the car will run for the first time during a filming day at Silverstone on Friday.<br><br>A tweet from the team on Thursday morning said that the team would be "parading the interim Honda-engined MP4-29H."

Briton Oliver Turvey, the team's test driver, will be the man in charge of shaking down the Honda-powered car.

Although the mileage of filming days is limited, and the team has to use demonstration tyres, any running will be valuable to help uncover any problems with installation prior to the Abu Dhabi test.

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier said recently that the development of the MP4-29H would help the team concentrate more on fully developing its definitive 2015 MP4-30.

He said: "We are building a development car because we have a lot of systems to check, with electronic connections and whatever.

"We have decided to take a different approach based on what we are doing this year. For development of the current car, everything has to be applicable to next year's car."


Automobile manufacturer Honda reported that it will return to Formula 1 in 2015 as engine supplier to McLaren. The Japanese company had quit the sport in 2009, following poor results of its team. Honda will deploy its turbo engines and energy recovery technology in Formula 1.

"Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world's most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies." Honda chief Takanobu said.

Honda and McLaren had drawn up record partnership, winning four consecutive driver titles between 1988 and 91 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost representing the team. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh welcomed the proposal and said that it will be a fresh and 'exciting chapter' in the team's history.

It is unclear whether McLaren will accommodate Honda or discontinue its current ties with current engine supplier, Mercedes Benz. McLaren is represented by Jenson Button who won the 2009 world championship.