Honda realistic despite strong result: 'There is more to be gained'

Honda had a very strong Friday at the Losail International Circuit. The engine supplier saw all four of its drivers finish inside the top ten in both sessions and acknowledges it's been a good start, while remaining realistic for the rest of the weekend.

The first free practice session was less representative of qualifying and the race, as it took place after sunset. Honda therefore used the second free practice as a reference point, as Toyoharu Tanabe explained in a press release from Honda Racing F1.

"As this is the first time Formula 1 has visited Qatar, it was important for all our drivers to do as many laps as possible, for themselves and for the teams to acquire plenty of data," explains Honda F1's technical director.

He continues: "We will now analyse it all tonight, as it is clear that there is more performance to be gained from the car-PU package for qualifying and the race with both teams," Tanabe concluded.