Horner: Honda installation "best we've ever had"

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has praised the team's new engine supplier Honda after he said the Bulls had the best installation of the power unit he can remember.

Max Verstappen took to the track on the first day of testing in Barcelona, with the Dutchman logging 128 laps in his RB15, the second highest lap total after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

While the 21-year-old only achieved the fourth-quickest time on the day, the day wasn't about raw speed, even though Horner did underline the importance of a car's power.

“Ultimately power is a dominating factor but I have to say the installation of this engine into the chassis is probably the best one we’ve ever had, Horner told a scrum of reporters at the Circuit de Catalunya, including RaceFans. 

"When you look at how neatly integrated it is into the chassis it a really is a thing of beauty and I think the whole engineering team collectively with Honda have done a great job in terms of installing what looks like a Swiss clock into the back of our chassis.

Horner also mentioned that Honda are doing well in terms of production as well, with the Japanese producing multiple complete power units already.

"I have to say so far we’ve been very impressed with everything that we’ve seen. It’s the first time in 12 years that our factory’s had four complete engines. That’s not happened before.”

Still, Honda will likely struggle to keep their total number of power units under the limit of three engines. For Red Bull, this means it will be a case of damage limitation and taking your penalties smartly.

“I think in Russia last year Max was already back in the top the top five by lap six. So if you pick the right venue if it’s assisting the development of the power unit then strategically you can lessen the pain.”