HONDA The Power of Dreams

Best Lap Time: 1:36.536 (Alonso) / 1:35.974 (Stroll)
Laps Completed: 28 (Alonso) / 26 (Stroll) – Total 54 laps

Best Lap Time: 1:37.472
Laps Completed: 68

Best Lap Time No Time
Laps Completed: 6

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team (AMAF1) took part in the second pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

On the opening day, Fernando Alonso completed the morning session, running 28 laps. The program focused primarily on gearbox testing. Alonso’s session was cut short due to a power unit-related issue.

In the afternoon, Lance Stroll returned the AMR26 to the track, completing 26 laps while concentrating on further understanding the power unit.

Alonso handled driving duties throughout the day, completing 68 laps and concluding his pre-season testing program.

However, during the afternoon session, Honda identified an issue related to the power unit. As a precautionary measure, the team stopped the car early. The AMR26 was returned to the garage for detailed inspection and maintenance.

On the final day of Pre-Season Test 2 in Bahrain, Stroll once again drove the AMR26.

Prior to the session, Honda issued the following statement:

“During running on Day 2, a battery-related issue occurred, impacting the test plan with AMAF1. At HRC Sakura, simultaneous bench testing and analysis are being conducted in parallel with trackside operations. Due to a shortage of power unit-related components, today’s running plan has been significantly restricted and revised to consist of short stints only.”

As a result, Stroll completed two laps late in the morning session and four laps in the afternoon, bringing AMAF1’s Bahrain test program to a close.

“Today was not an easy day, with a few issues along the way. Mileage is crucial, and we were not able to complete as many laps as we would have liked due to the power unit-related problem that brought the afternoon session to an early end. There are many areas that need improvement, but I know everyone at the circuit and at the factory is working flat out to find solutions.”

“It’s been a challenging couple of weeks here in Bahrain, and today’s limited running wasn’t the way we wanted to finish the second test. It’s clear the car isn’t where we want it to be performance-wise, and we know there’s a lot of work ahead in the coming weeks and months. There’s a long season ahead, and we’ll keep pushing flat out to unlock more performance.
I want to say a big thank you to everyone trackside and back at the AMRTC for the work that’s gone in so far. It’s not where we want to be right now, but I know how determined this team is. We’ll stick together, rise to the challenge and keep working until we deliver the performance we are looking for.”

“We have concluded our test program in Bahrain, and the main challenge has been dealing with some reliability issues that have limited our time on track. This leaves us on the backfoot going into the start of the season, because we haven’t been able to complete all of the usual tasks typical of winter testing. We recognize there is a huge amount of work ahead, and everyone involved in this project knows where we need to focus to improve our situation. I want to say a big thank you to all my colleagues across the team who have been working day and night over the last two weeks.”

“Our main target during this week’s test was to build up mileage on the power unit, check the engine reliability and gather data. We collected data successfully; however, we didn’t achieve the accumulated mileage that we were targeting.

“On Thursday, we identified an issue in the power unit, and all of us have been uniting efforts to find a solution during our last day of testing. Overnight and today, HRC Sakura, the AMRTC in Silverstone and our crews in Bahrain worked together on a limited run plan, which was jointly agreed considering a shortage of parts.

“It has been an enduring week, but we extend our thanks to the team for their support trackside and everyone working in Japan and the UK remotely. Overall, we are not happy with our performance and our reliability at the moment. However, we are all looking for solutions together in Sakura, Milton Keynes and Silverstone.”