Abu Dhabi: FIA President Jean Todt has justified his full support to Honda in a bid to maintain the longevity of the Japanese engine manufacturer in Formula One.
Never winning a single world Constructors’ or Drivers’ Championship since their foray into F1 in 1964, the Japanese have had a handful of top drivers including Jo Schlesser (France), Brazilian Rubens Barrichello and Englishmen John Surtees and Jenson Button.
However, Honda have most recently been in the news after being dropped by McLaren due to engine unreliability. A deal has been facilitated and Toro Rosso has stepped in, agreeing to a three-year deal for use Honda engines starting from 2018 till the end of the current F1 engine regulations cycle at the end of 2020.
Todt has been vocal about the future of Honda as an exit of the engine manufacturer could have sent mixed signals to the world of motorsports.
“I am proud to have four manufacturers in F1 and Honda is fantastic. They achieved so much in racing over the last decade. We must be indulgent to them. It did not work out as they wanted. And we have done as much we could do,” Todt said.
“I am happy they were there and I hope they can stay a long time in F1. I expect a tight championship and would love to have a different winner at every race. I am glad they are competitive and that they can progress.”
