AUGUST 10, 2001
Honda dissatisfied by its teams
HONDA's head of racing development has suggested that its struggle to get on the pace of the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW is in part due to lacking the expertise of teams like Williams and McLaren, with whom it raced to a string of titles in the 1980s and '90s.
Soichi Tanaka, head of the Formula 1 and CART engine programs, insists that by running with two teams - Jordan and BAR - his men can gather the required data to make a particularly effective engine. However, being in the 'second division' behind Williams, McLaren and Ferrari - who have won 28 constructors' titles between them - makes the job that little bit more difficult.
Insiders point to conflicting requirements from the two teams as their aerodynamic and chassis packages vary, and while both teams will be retained by Honda in 2002 it seems likely that a championship challenge may only be feasible the following year with one focused, all-out assault.
It is a difficult challenge, that is true," Tanaka admitted. "But the truth coming from this reality is that we must work harder than any of the other top teams if we are to succeed."