Aston Martin-Honda: Surprise – new engine tested earlier than planned

A light at the end of the tunnel for Aston Martin: first, a completely overhauled race car at the Hungaroring, which brought a significant improvement in competitiveness.

Step 2 – an improved Honda engine; this was actually due to make its debut at the Dutch Grand Prix, when Formula 1 gets back up to speed at Zandvoort following the summer break.

But Honda has stepped up its programme: Aston Martin remained at the Hungaroring after the Hungarian Grand Prix and carried out test days with US reserve driver Jak Crawford at the wheel. The improved engine was fitted to the rear of Crawford’s race car during these sessions.

Honda is benefiting from what is known as ADUO, which stands for ‘Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities’.

ADUO is designed to ensure that engine manufacturers who are lagging behind are given a chance to make up the deficit during the season. Manufacturers are granted development leeway if they are at least two per cent behind in terms of internal combustion engine performance.

Rumours in the paddock suggest that the Japanese were six to eight per cent behind with their first power unit.

Honda’s chief engineer, Shintaro Orihara, said in June regarding the performance of the Honda engine: “I cannot disclose any details. We are now focusing on further developing the engine’s performance over the summer. We’re working on optimising combustion and reducing friction losses to boost performance.”