Honda forced to wait on Red Bull engine supply

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Honda says discussions are ongoing with Red Bull regarding a potential engine supply deal as it has to wait to see if it is allowed to take on another customer next season.

Red Bull approached Honda regarding a potential power unit supply deal around the Russian Grand Prix weekend having been rejected by both Mercedes and Ferrari when requesting 2016 power units. With Honda saying it was open to such a deal, Bernie Ecclestone claimed McLaren boss Ron Dennis has exercised a veto over the Japanese manufacturer to block it supplying Red Bull.

Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai says talks are ongoing as he remains willing to take on another customer if allowed.

“Obviously we cannot discuss details at this moment,” Arai said. “We have been approached by the team but discussions are ongoing and nothing has been decided. I always say this season: we are always open, so we are on discussions that are ongoing – that’s it.”

F1i understands Honda will have to wait for a final decision from both McLaren and Red Bull, with the latter yet to commit as it tries to keep its options open regarding its 2016 power units.

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