Honda have realised they ‘cannot improve’ Aston Martin’s engine before Japanese Grand Prix

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Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda and Aston Martin conducted a joint press conference where they admitted their engine issues need more time to address.

Adrian Newey’s attempts to exaggerate Honda’s issues did not result in the FIA granting them any concessions on ADOU.

As a result, Honda have been working tirelessly at their Sakura factory to try and make improvements. In fact, Honda even diverted funds from other departments to address these issues.

When do you think Aston Martin will complete their first Grand Prix this season?

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Any solution Honda try to find for their engine issues could expose Newey’s work on the AMR26, which put even more pressure on the Japanese suppliers.

But ahead of their home race at Suzuka, Honda’s Shintaro Orihara admitted they don’t have the tools to better the engine issues Aston Martin are facing just yet.

READ MORE: ‘Nobody’ at Aston Martin knew about the issues Red Bull were having with Honda engine last year

Shintaro Orihara admits Aston Martin engine issues need more time

Honda GM Shintaro Orihara and Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer Mike Krack held a joint press conference in Suzuka ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

When asked by Marca about the improvements they’re making to the engine, Orihara was candid, noting that Honda couldn’t make improvements yet, but have gathered enough data that will help them.

“How to say it… We cannot improve, we cannot change the performance specifications, but we collected a lot of data in China.

“We analysed it and took it to the simulator to improve our energy management strategy for this test, so we applied it for Suzuka… Again, I can’t give any specific figure, but we are confident.”

While this news will certainly not sit well with Aston Martin officials, Honda are still confident about their ability to improve upon the team’s previous performances this season.

READ MORE: Aston Martin realised Adrian Newey is not suited to team boss role after hearing his Honda outburst

Honda ‘confident’ that Aston Martin drivers can finish Japanese Grand Prix

Speaking further in the press conference, Orihara claimed that Honda were confident both Aston Martin drivers would be able to finish the race. As for future upgrades, he noted that Miami would be a possible timeframe for the team.

“From a battery reliability point of view, we have made great progress in the first and second races. So, as for battery reliability, we are confident that we can now finish the race…

“From the point of view of the regulations, if we need to apply any corrective measures for reliability, we can do so. It’s hard to talk about a plan, but if we need it, we can do it. It’s hard to say right now, we’ll see it in Miami.”

For Aston Martin, both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finishing the Japanese Grand Prix will be their top priority.

They need to gather as much data about the car as possible before the upcoming hiatus in the calendar to work on their cars before the season resumes.