Honda determined to bring success to McLaren

McLaren

Following six years away from the sport, Honda returns to F1 next season when it becomes McLaren's engine supplier.

There are currently only three power unit manufacturers in the category, with Mercedes using 2014's regulation changes to establish a distinct advantage over rivals Renault and Ferrari. 

But Honda motorsport chief Yasuhisa Arai expects that gap to close in 2015.

"I have confidence that we will match Mercedes," Arai told the F1 website.

"I am a firm believer - that we will win races next year. And that will send out a very positive signal for our brand on a global basis. "

McLaren will be Honda's only customer for the 2015 season, but the Japanese company is yet to make a decision on 2016.

"I can imagine that Mercedes found the perfect balance between their chassis and their power unit and that the others didn't find that balance. So we work together with McLaren as one team - because this is the only way to go."

Pre-season testing at Jerez early next year will be the first chance Honda and McLaren have to collect performance data.

"We are absolutely within our development plan. Our engine - or more precisely our power unit - is ready for a whole system check, but without the chassis," Arai said.

"It will still need more time to bring the power unit and chassis together and then be able to run checks with the complete car.

"In the next couple of weeks we will run simulations and at the beginning of next year we will start to run on the track - very likely at Jerez. That will very likely be the first time to show the whole car, the Honda engine and the McLaren chassis - the Honda McLaren."

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