Aston Martin is far from being rid of the problems with the Honda engine, but the two drivers decided to make the best of it at the Suzuka circuit anyway. Fernando Alonso was relieved that he was able to complete a full race distance for the first time, while Lance Stroll was able to enjoy racing against his teammate a bit: ‘I had a fun race with Fernando in our own little championship, our own Aston Martin class’.
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The problems at Aston Martin and engine supplier Honda are far from over. More than an eighteenth place for new father Fernando Alonso at Suzuka was not in the cards, while Lance Stroll experienced another retirement. Honda had set the goal of reaching the finish line with both cars, but was still able to finish a Grand Prix with Alonso for the first time this season.
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“There are still many points the team needs to address, and I think completing the first race distance today has provided us with valuable information and data that we need to analyze to make improvements,” the Spaniard also said after the race in Japan. Still, the two-time world champion is far from satisfied. “The pace was lacking during all sessions of the weekend, and that was also the case during the race. So we need to improve in many areas.”
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Honda has worked particularly hard on solving the vibration problems that affect the battery in the power unit and thus jeopardize reliability. “It was better,” Alonso confirms that the engine supplier has made steps. “It was still there. It also varies a bit per circuit and per day. Today it was manageable, and because of that, I was able to finish the race.”
‘Aston Martin class’
Unfortunately, Stroll had to retire from his race after thirty laps. “I think there was a problem with the water pressure,” he told the media present. “We still need to investigate it, but that’s what we think at the moment.” The Canadian also admitted that the car was “not great” until then. Still, he enjoyed racing at Suzuka, in what he jokingly called the ‘Aston Martin class’. “I had a fun race with Fernando in our own little championship, our own Aston Martin championship. I enjoyed the race, even though we were slow and fighting for the last places. Suzuka is always a beautiful circuit to drive on. A pity we didn’t make it to the end.”
NOW ONLINE: 40-page Race Special GP Japan: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
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