Honda stuck in its MGU-H problems

The reliability of Power Unit Honda is once again put to the test in the Sakhir furnace in Bahrain. After two problems on the MGU-H of the car of Stoffel Vandoorne in free practice, it is on the MCL32 of Fernando Alonso that the system connected to the turbocharger and which recovers energy from the exhaust gases experienced a problem in qualifying.

Enough to prevent the Spanish driver from setting any time in Q2. “My lap in Q2 was good. I think until the last corner it was half a second better than my Q1 time, explains Alonso.

But when I pressed the accelerator and there was a problem on the Power Unit. It's a shame, because we had a chance to be one or two places ahead, and tomorrow we will have to install a new Power Unit, which will not have the perfect settings or calibration.

The first turn the engine will have will be the formation turn. We will have no turn to settle it, and we will probably have an even harder race than we had anticipated. »

Honda investigates again

The Japanese engine manufacturer looked at the engine of the McLaren of Fernando Alonso, in order to determine the causes of the breakdown which slowed down the double world champion. “We are still investigating to find out exactly what the problem is and whether or not it is related to Stoffel’s concerns yesterday. » commented Yusuke Hasegawa, project manager F1 from Honda.

Fernando Alonso, for his part, still wanted to be fatalistic about his chances in the race in Bahrain, despite all the will of McLaren.

“The guys are working day and night to get the car ready, there are parts we keep changing, we keep testing updates, there is hard work every weekend, but we don't have a competitive Power Unit to fight in front, proclaims the Spaniard. It's not the ideal situation, but there's nothing we can do, so we'll see what tomorrow brings. »