Toro Rosso linked with Japanese manufacturer at Suzuka
Monday 5 October 2015 10:01, UK
Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai says they have not had any approaches about an engine supply from any teams besides McLaren for the 2016 season.
With Honda supplying McLaren, Red Bull and Renault on the verge of splitting, and the French manufacturer also close to sealing a buy-out of Lotus, it could be the case that pacesetters Mercedes and Ferrari supply the majority of next season's grid.
Red Bull are currently talking to Ferrari about an engine supply and assuming Toro Rosso also part ways from Renault and head back their way, the Italian marque - which is already committed to supplying Haas and, presumably, Sauber besides the Scuderia - in particular would have to increase its capacity considerably.
FIA rules maintain that engine manufacturers can only supply three teams, meaning that a dispensation would also have to be sought.
Toro Rosso had been linked to the Japanese manufacturer ahead of the latter's home race at Suzuka a fortnight ago, even though Honda's hybrid engine has so far proved even less of a competitive proposition than Renault's.
However, Arai has said that no one had made contact and added that, as far as Honda are concerned, time would now be tight to deal with the practicalities.
"I have the same question a lot recently. We don't have any offers right now and I think that, for Honda and for other power unit suppliers, it's a very difficult time to prepare to supply other partners," he said.
"Also, Honda has a strong relationship as a works team - McLaren-Honda - and we don't have any plans."
Manor had previously been linked to a supply of Honda engines earlier in the year but the Banbury outfit have now signed a deal to switch from Ferrari to Mercedes units for next season.
