Honda joins call for engine unfreeze

Honda has finally declared its position on the controversial ’engine freeze’ in F1.

As Mercedes utterly dominated the first season of the radical new turbo V6 era this year, rivals Ferrari and Renault-powered Red Bull made clear their desire to ease the tight limits on in-season engine development.

Joining the three engine makers in F1 next year is Honda, who will provide works power to the famous British team McLaren.

Until now, McLaren’s position on the freeze has been less clear, but team boss Eric Boullier has now declared that he believes engine development should be freer.

And Honda’s F1 chief Yasuhisa Arai is quoted by Speed Week: "Engineers and fans have one thing in common, which is their desire for competition.

"This is only possible if parts can be developed," he added.