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Honda: Verstappen's damaged power unit could be repaired

The Japanese Formula 1 engine manufacturer believe they can repair Max Verstappen's damaged power unit.

Honda Technical Director Toyoharu Tanabe has revealed that Max Verstappen's damaged power unit, which stemmed from his accident at the British Grand Prix, could be saved. Verstappen's second engine was deemed irreparable prior to the Belgian GP but Tanabe says there is still hope, although Sergio Perez's power unit from the Hungarian GP is completely destroyed due to his collision with Valtteri Bottas. "For Max's PU, we decided we cannot use it in the racing," explained Tanabe to RacingNews365.com and other select members of the press. "Checo's [Perez's] one is completely destroyed. “In the case of Max's one, we aren't sure. If we replace the parts, maybe we can use it [under] normal conditions. But from [a] safety point of view, the current damage is a little bit too big to use it in racing. "In the current PU regulations, we cannot change parts which are sealed by the FIA. Unfortunately, we want to change parts which are sealed." Both of Red Bull's second engines were damaged due to collisions caused by other drivers. Tanabe suggested F1 should consider a system where a team who has suffered damage, which is not their fault, can request to change their engine without incurring a penalty. To ensure impartiality, Tanabe thinks the request should then be considered in a meeting involving the team, representatives of the FIA and other power unit manufacturers "Of course we, being Honda, respect the PU regulations, which is based on long experience," added Tanabe. "But looking at our situation, I think there is room to reconsider the regulation. "Then we can review the accident, we can check impact data, we can check chassis damage, we can check PU damage and then altogether we can discuss about the parts change request from PU manufacturers. "Considering the current economic situation, also the sustainability of this sport, I think we have room to consider that type of thing. Anyway, we respect the regulation very much."

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