McLaren, Honda bond stronger than ever

Editor

Despite the many trials they have had this season, Honda boss Yasuhisa Arai says the bond between his company and McLaren has strengthened over the course of this season.

Honda returned to Formula 1 this season with much expected of the partnership, which yielded race wins and World titles in years gone by.

However, instead the duo have slumped to McLaren's worst showing since 1980.

With just 27 points on the board and one race remaining, McLaren-Honda are down in ninth place in the Constructors' Champoinship.

The team has managed just five races inside the top ten and only one where both cars managed to score points.

Despite their woes, Arai is adamant Honda's relationship with McLaren has grown in strength.

"So much has happened since McLaren-Honda's new beginnings here in Abu Dhabi last year," he said.

"We have come a long way since that first test, and although we have had a difficult and eventful season in 2015, the team is as united as ever.

"The amount of changes that have gone into both the car and the power units this year with such speed has been incredible.

"Both Woking and Sakura have been working tirelessly throughout the year, and together with the drivers, their bond has become stronger as the season progressed.

"I am thankful for all their hard work, and encouraged by their enthusiasm to improve further over the winter."