It would seem to me that if honda could provide a more competitive engine, either one of the teams currently running Honda engines could run up with the "big boys". I was thinking that guys like Trulli can put cars right behind the big boys with a car that's under powered, more power must be able to do better...

no?

-Shing

 

It's a big question. There are a lot of great drivers being held back by the car, likewise there a few mediocre drivers in really fast cars that are keeping up with the big 2.
Figure Villeneuve in a Williams BMW. He'd be right up there charging with Schumacher.
I agree that the Honda engines need more power, but a more important aspect ( at least in my eyes ) is a more reliable car. Electronics seem to pull more drivers out of a race then the engines.
Secondly, I think you will see some big changes in the Honda Powerplant, when they finally pick a team to support. rumour has it Jordan is gonna get the engine, yet Honda is milking Jaques for advertising along with BAR. So to sum it all up.....I know absolutly nothing

 

Actually, I believe Honda is going to continue to support both teams. While watching F1 last week, they mentioned that although it was rumored that Honda was going to only pick a team, Honda has said they will conitnue to support both teams.

Yes, I think Trulli and Villeneuve would both be fast. I wonder though... has Honda "lost interest" or something... their previous F1 efforts were much better than recent years.

Reliability is key for sure... it also seems like they have gear box problems often. Does Honda built the gearbox and electronics as well?

-Shing

 

I think you'll find that once Toyota gets involved next year, Honda will be come much more focused. I think the local rivalry will be very strong.

By the way, does anyone know if the current Honda F1 engines use 'VTEC' style technology ?

 

Honda has now publicly stated it will continue to support both BAR and Jordan next year.

I'm sorry, but I'm not too impressed with Jacques.

Honda does need to get more power out of their F1 engines though. I'm sure they don't want to lose face to Toyota in 2002!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2000 Driver
[B]Honda has now publicly stated it will continue to support

 

In my mind, I don't think the Honda engine is the problem for Jordan or BAR. The problem seems to be the limits of the chassis, electronics, and aerodynamics of those teams. On straights, you can see the Jordans and BARs pull on lesser cars and keep up with the Big Three. But they seem to lose serious ground in the corners. It's only my observation so take it for what it's worth. Besides, I get up at 4 AM Sundays to watch F1, so I could be dreaming up all this as I fall in and out of consciousness.

 

Exactly right. I was at the Australian GP this year, and let me tell you, the Honda was making at least as much power as anything else at that time (though the BMW seems to be up there now). That thing was screaming. Revs are a good indicator of power in F1 and the only thing close was the Ilmor ("Mercedes") engine in the McLarens. The Ferrari was the sweetest though .

Have you ever seen a BAR or Jordan get passed on a straight this year? It's not their engine that's the problem.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by naishou
[B]

Exactly right.

 

Just to note...

Ferrari didn't win on Sunday because they had the most powerful engine... Not even close!

Winning a F1 race is a curious blend of driving skill, driver strategy, team strategy, chassis design, ability to tune to the specific racetrack, experience, engine performance and luck...

(oh, I forgot superior electronic aids!)

Both the BAR and Jordan teams need quite a bit more than a few more HP before they start to consistantly win races, but it's nice to see them both as a leader in the tier immediately behind the big three (Ferrari, Mclaren, Williams).