Following much speculation about Sauber’s engine supplier in the future, Honda have confirmed that they will supply engines to the team from 2018.
Honda confirm Sauber engine deal for 2018
The speculation surrounding this announcement has been going on for months, and with the suspected deal between the Swiss outfit and the Japanese car manufacturer now being confirmed, this makes Sauber the second team on the current Formula 1 grid to switch to Honda power.
This marks the end of Sauber’s long term relationship with Ferrari, who have been supplying the team with engines since 2010 after BMW removed their backing from the team at the end of 2009.
Although Honda’s return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier has been somewhat unsuccessful since 2015, this deal will allow Honda conduct further research through the additional mileage by having another two cars using their engine, which will help Honda make their return to the front of the F1 grid.
When asked about the new deal with Honda, Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: “It is a great honour for the Sauber F1 Team to be able to work together with Honda in the coming seasons.”
With Sauber being supplied with old Ferrari engines in recent seasons, this change in engine supplier in 2018 could mark the return of Sauber as a strong midfield team as opposed to kicking around at the back of the grid as they have done since 2014. All of this however, is providing that Honda start to improve in the engine department – something that was promised in 2017 to McLaren but was ultimately another failed attempt, with the team moving further down the grid this season.
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