[mclarenf1gtr]

There are rumors circulating that McLaren has approached Honda for F1 engines for the 2014 and onwards F1 seasons. Since Mercedes have their own team now, I would understand McLaren's reticence in signing with them again; and Renault and Ferrari are obviously out of the question.

Now I'm not sure if Honda will even be competitive for 2014. I'm sure Renault/Mercedes/Ferrari have already commenced work on the 2014 units. If these rumors are true, would it hearken back to McLaren's glory days of the 80's, or more akin to Honda's recent performance and ignominious departure from F1?

 

[Osiris_x11]

Some more from Wiki...

2014

The FIA has announced the intention to the change the 2.4-litre V8 engines to 1.6 litre 6 cylinder turbo engines, containing fuel flow restrictions and including energy recovery systems in order to make Formula One more environmentally aware and to attract more commercial partners for 2014. With this new regulation firmly in-place, past engine manufacturers Honda, Toyota, Ford, BMW and new comers Volkswagen and General Motors have already submitted proposals to the FIA to join/rejoin Formula 1 for the 2014 season. The reintroduction of Ford and introduction of Chevrolet are in response to the marketing attempt to the US audience and new racing circuit in Austin Texas. [15] In addition to the current suppliers, a new company, Propulsion Universelle et Recuperation d'Energie (PURE), has been founded to produce the 2014-specification engines.[16] The new formula is set to reintroduce turbocharged engines, which last appeared in 1988, have their efficiency improved by turbo-compounding and introduce more energy recovery systems - with power to be harvested from the brakes and exhaust gases.[17] The original proposal for four-cylinder turbocharged engines was not welcomed by the racing teams, in particular Ferrari. Adrian Newey stated during the 2011 European Grand Prix that the change to a V6 enables teams to carry the engine as a stressed member, whereas an inline 4 would have required a space frame. A compromise was reached to adopt V6 turbocharged engines instead.[17]

 

[SSO]

Had heard it was pretty much a done deal.

 

[mclarenf1gtr]

Had heard it was pretty much a done deal.

It's a truly significant step for both companies, if that is the case.

But if I remember correctly, Honda no longer has an F1 division in the UK (they sold it off to Ross Brawn). Would it be feasible to work between the UK and Japan? At least with Mercedes, they were still located in the UK, so location wasn't a problem.

 

[MoBeanz]

So a white and orange MP4-29?

:-D

 

[SSO]

It's a truly significant step for both companies, if that is the case.

But if I remember correctly, Honda no longer has an F1 division in the UK (they sold it off to Ross Brawn). Would it be feasible to work between the UK and Japan? At least with Mercedes, they were still located in the UK, so location wasn't a problem.

If needed, Honda has enough time to re-establish itself in the UK.

 

[Ritesh]

Bring back the glory days of the late 80's and early 90's.

 

[6th element]

Wonder if Ford and Chevy are still interested, given the Austin GP is axed. Still think that long term it is better for McLaren to build their own motors, to bolster the Automotive division's reputation. But, would gladly welcome back Honda. Hard to say No, given the history of domination when they were partnered.

 

[SSO]

Tall order given that McLaren has zero experience in building engines. Much more cost effective to work with another manufacturer.

 

[6th element]

Tall order given that McLaren has zero experience in building engines. Much more cost effective to work with another manufacturer.

Agreed on that, but it would be nice to see them at least get a program started, if not for the 2014 deadline.

 

[mclarenf1gtr]

http://en.espnf1.com/mclaren/motorsport/story/65015.html

Looks like they're still sticking with Mercedes...for now.