Honda declare 'good step' after breakthrough Aston Martin milestone

Honda's F1 chief engineer Shintaro Orihara has stated Fernando Alonso's ability to finish the Japanese Grand Prix marked a “good step” for the project.

The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda got off to a difficult start as the Honda power unit lacked reliability across pre-season testing.

The engine was causing significant vibrations in the car, forcing Fernando Alonso to retire from the grand prix in China last month.

However, Alonso managed to reach the chequered flag in Japan at round three, marking the first time this year that Aston Martin finished a race.

Orihara detailed that it marked a significant moment for the project as it continues to work towards improvements.

“We completed a full distance of the race,” Orihara told media including RacingNews365. “That is a good step in terms of reliability. 

“We are working hard to improve battery deliverability.”

However, Orihara admitted that there will be no quick fixes to the Honda power unit as Aston Martin target a move up the pecking order.

“But on the other hand, also in the Sakura factory, we are working hard to improve engine performance,” Orihara added.

“Also we are working hard to evaluate and optimise energy management.

“[We must] also develop engine performance mechanically, it's not a short-term job.

“So we will keep working hard, implementing performance in the background. 

“But we gathered a lot of [in Japan] through the race distance that gives us more data to improve our drivability, and also energy management.

“That gives us good data for the coming four weeks going to Miami.”