Formula 1

HONDA READY FOR RACE WITHOUT QUALIFYING MODE

Published

3 years ago

03/09/2020

HONDA READY FOR RACE WITHOUT QUALIFYING MODE

Honda F1 boss Toyoharu Tanabe says the Honda-powered teams have already begun preparations for this weekend with no extra engine modes available during qualifying, something that Red Bull will hope brings Mercedes that little bit closer on race day.

Honda without Qualifying Mode -After a sixth podium place in a row for Max Verstappen, there is a new challenge on the Monza circuit. How much power can the Japanese power source provide, if it can only be used in one setting during the weekend?

During the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing clearly fell short. Max Verstappen managed to keep the Renault drivers behind him, but soon lost sight of the Mercedes drivers. Alexander Albon was even worse off, as he eventually finished behind both Renault drivers. Toyoharu Tanabe has more hope for the Italian Grand Prix.

”After another podium finish at Spa we come to the second race in this third and high-speed triple-header of the season, the Italian Grand Prix. The Monza circuit is all about high speed and low downforce and engine power will again be an important factor. This is the first race in which the FIA’s new restrictions regarding the use of different engine modes come into force,” said the Japanese in Honda’s preview.

”In the last two weeks we have been studying the implications of these changes in detail. They are very complex and therefore we have been in constant communication with the FIA to ensure that we are fully compliant with the new technical directive,” said Honda’s top man, who hopes to perform well in AlphaTauri’s home race.

”The Italian GP is the home race for Scuderia AlphaTauri and this will be the 50th Grand Prix of our partnership, a milestone in our history. Joining what was then Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2018 meant we started the project from scratch and we made gradual progress together, scoring two podium finishes last year”, concludes Tanabe.

HONDA READY FOR RACE WITHOUT QUALIFYING MODE HONDA READY FOR RACE WITHOUT QUALIFYING MODE