Aston Martin hit back at theory over Honda struggles

Aston Martin has denied that the long distance between its facility and Honda's factory is a factor in the challenging start to the new season.

The two parties commenced their partnership this year, with Honda joining as a power unit supplier at the start of a new era under fresh technical regulations.

However, its engine has produced significant vibrations in the car across the opening rounds, causing discomfort for the drivers.

It has also proven to be unreliable, and combined with Aston Martin's unimpressive chassis, the car has been languishing at the back of the grid.

But despite 9,000 kilometres separating the two headquarters in Silverstone and Sakura, team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa denied that it is an issue.

“A lot of our guys are working with Honda closely,” de la Rosa told Sky F1. “Ideally, they would be in Silverstone, it would be better, closer to us.

“But they're in Japan, and it has worked in the past. They are world champions [with Red Bull]. They won four world championships, working from Sakura.

“I don't think that we have to look into these details to find the reason why we're not competitive, because it has worked in the past.”

Despite the lacklustre start to the year, de la Rosa insisted Aston Martin has complete faith that it can produce a successful partnership with Honda.

“We just have to make sure that we give Honda all the time [needed], all the team to support them and work as one,” he said.

“That’s the process we're in.”