F1: FIA set for engine talks with Honda

Honda will hold talks with the FIA next week to discuss Formula 1's engine homologation rules, although it is understood its chances of winning any concessions are very slim.

The manufacturer is unhappy that motor racing's governing body has given the green light for rivals Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari to be able to develop their F1 power units over the course of 2015 rather than having to hit the previously expected pre-season deadline. Such a move will allow Honda's opposition to make progress with their engines throughout the campaign, while Honda's own power unit will have to remain to the same specification as that which is lodged with the FIA on Feb. 28.

It and partner team McLaren have written to the FIA to express their view that they feel the situation is unfair, and representatives are scheduled to meet with F1 race director Charlie Whiting next week to talk about the matter. However, it is thought unlikely that a rule break will result, with the FIA suggesting that there are no grounds to offer Honda anything extra.

Sources point out that as a new manufacturer, Honda has benefited from being able to develop its new V6 turbo engine without restriction until the end of next month, while Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault have to keep much of the design that they submitted last February.

Furthermore, there was never any intention for new manufacturers to be given technical freedom to improve their power units during their first season, with a new entrant such as Honda not granted any development tokens during their initial campaign.

Honda will, however, enjoy the benefit of using 32 tokens to improve its engines throughout 2016, when rivals will only be able to use 25 tokens. Should McLaren feel especially aggrieved about the matter, then it could opt to lodge a protest against any rival team that uses an improved engine this season. Such a scenario is thought unlikely, though.

Originally on Autosport.com