Honda sees room for improvement: 'Study today's data carefully for tomorrow'

It was a reasonably positive day for the Honda cars. Only Yuki Tsunoda fell just outside the top ten during FP2. According to Toyoharu Tanabe there is room for improvement for all teams, but there is still enough time for that. Max Verstappen in particular was not satisfied with the balance.

"Today, at Istanbul Park, all four Honda-powered cars had trouble-free sessions in dry conditions and were able to complete all their programme", Tanabe begins on the official website of Honda. Tomorrow, during FP3 and qualifying, it could rain.

"Last year, the track surface here was new and this weekend the grip has improved a lot, so both the car and PU settings have been optimised to deal with these new conditions. However, we think there is still plenty of room for improvement and we will be studying today’s data carefully to prepare for tomorrow’s qualifying and Sunday’s race."

Special livery provides extra motivation

This weekend, Red Bull's cars are running with a special Honda livery. This weekend, F1 was actually due to run the Japan Grand Prix, the home race of engine supplier Honda.

"For this Turkish GP weekend, all our cars are carrying the 'arigato' ('thank you') message on the rear wing and the Red Bull Racing cars also have a special white livery inspired by Honda’s F1 cars from the Sixties. This is further motivation for the Honda team members and we hope to have a strong race with all four cars", Tanabe concludes.