Honda identify 'main cause' of Bahrain F1 test horror show

Honda has explained the root cause of its issues during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The Japanese manufacturer endured a difficult start to the new season with Aston Martin and has limited mileage under its belt as the season-opening round from Australia ticks closer.

Aston Martin arrived late to the Barcelona shakedown and clocked just 65 laps before heading to Bahrain testing.

However, across the next six days of on-track action, Aston Martin and Honda could only tally an extra 329 laps.

The situation turned even more dramatic on the final day as it set just six laps before concluding its running for the day.

Honda has detailed what hindered its on-track running in Bahrain and asserted it is already taking measures to put a fix in place.

"During the pre-season tests, we noticed some abnormal vibrations,” Honda managing director Ikui Takeishi said, as quoted by the Japanese arm of Motorsport.com. 

“I think the main cause of the problem was that these abnormal vibrations caused damage to the battery system.

"In response to this, we are of course investigating the cause on the PU [power unit] side and will be taking measures. At the same time, we are also taking measures on the car side.

"But what we're actually doing specifically is using Sakura's bench, a test bench with a monocoque on it, to carry out vibration countermeasures and analysis, and we're currently in the process of implementing countermeasures.”

Honda opted to return to F1 this year after its official exit at the end of the 2021 season, where it peaked with a title win with Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

Although its current picture is a far cry from its position several years ago, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe insisted its goals have not shifted.

"There are a lot of things going on, but we're definitely going to win,” he said.