F1 Gate Article Translated.
A good explanation from Watanabe about Honda's plans for March 1st and beyond.
Key point is again a synergy and MotoGP. In the past, Honda tapped the motorcycle R&D resources for its cylinder plating that led to the success of the RedBull Honda era.
Note, the title is about the 2nd half of the article which talks about the future of F1 if it went normally aspirated.
What are the conditions for Honda F1 to remain HRC President Yasuharu Watanabe: "Hybrid is a premise"
Aston Martin Honda F1's new challenge has faced difficulties since the testing phase. But Honda is trying to bounce back with a precedent from its struggles with McLaren.
The key to this is the technical synergy between F1 and MotoGP. Honda Racing (HRC) President Yasuharu Watanabe talked about the current situation and future prospects.
Exploring collaboration between F1 and MotoGP
"It's clear that we're not happy with where we are at the moment," said Yasuharu Watanabe.
"We have identified a lot of areas that we need to focus on before the opening race. Normally, we would have liked to do more laps and collect more data during testing, but unfortunately we faced unforeseen problems. We are currently dealing with them."
From next week onwards, it will be impossible to change the specifications of the power unit in principle, and the homologation (certification) will be reached at the end of the month.
"At the end of the month (March 1), the engine will have to be homologated, so the hardware will be frozen, and based on that premise, we will pursue how to make the power unit function optimally."
"We are strongly pushing to build a collaborative system between the two premier categories of F1 and MotoGP, and we are looking at how we can transfer and share knowledge between the two projects and connect them to achieve success in their respective championships."
50:50 power distribution and electrification challenges Honda appears to be one of the most struggling manufacturers under the current regulations, but there is a technological turning point behind it.
"We had to develop a different internal combustion engine than last time, but the approach to the heat engine itself is the same."
"But now electrification is much more important, and how we generate electricity and how we supply it is key. The 50-to-50 distribution of output is clearly the most important item."
In addition, responding to sustainable fuels is also a new challenge.
"Sustainable fuels are also an additional challenge, and this year we had to integrate it relationship with Aston Martin and the partnership is strong, despite the difficult circumstances.
"I have a very good relationship with the team and we have a deep collaboration, and I find Lawrence Stroll's approach and vision to be great."
"I have worked with Adrian Newey on successful projects in the past. We value our relationship with him."
"Andy Cowell, who is the main point of contact for power unit development, is also a very talented person, and on the track our staff is working with Aston Martin's personnel to build the foundation for a long-term winning organization."
Honda's future regulations
Honda's participation in F1 is not determined by mere performance. The direction of future regulations will also be an important factor in determining the future.
While the possibility of reviving naturally aspirated engines was being discussed, Yasuji Watanabe presented clear conditions.
"It is desirable that the regulations of the future are consistent with the direction of Honda's automotive technology, our future is in electrification and hybridization"
"Therefore, the power unit must have a certain hybrid system. That's what it takes for Honda to be in F1."
The fusion of F1 and MotoGP, adaptation to the 50/50 electrification era, and alignment with future regulations. Honda's re-attempt is at a major turning point, both in terms of technology and philosophy.
source:
https://f1-gate.com/honda/f1_92813.html
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