Honda motorsport chief Yasuhisa Arai today in Montreal had to fend off criticism after another difficult day for the power unit supplier and its partner McLaren team.
A day after he had spoken positively about using some development ‘tokens’ to upgrade the unit, Arai faced the ignominy of both McLarens having to change engines prior to qualifying, and in Jenson Button’s case it meant he had to sit qualifying out.
Arai after qualifying described today’s events as: “not satisfying and very sad today and very tough.”
Arai insisted however that the Honda is continuing to make progress and that at its current rate of progress greater competitiveness awaits in the second half of this season.
“The technology is step-by-step very good progress from Australia to Canada and as we get more races come the second half of the season we can achieve good competition with the top level teams.”
He also dismissed suggestions that that the Honda board may decide in the absence of results to stop the F1 programme, particularly as there is a new CEO to arrive this month.
“We always joined Formula 1 not dependent on whether the CEO changed,” said Arai. “Me and the new CEO and the current CEO and the executive they love racing and they promise to join Formula 1 with our company. So I am confident that the new CEO is focussed on Formula 1.”
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier meanwhile admitted that the McLaren car right now has to improve “everywhere”.
“If you want to win you have to be the best everywhere,” he added. “In terms of aerodynamics, in terms of vehicle dynamics, in terms of chassis, in terms of driveability, so we have to improve everywhere.”
