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AlphaTauri saved Honda's life: "Mutual love"

8 September 2020 at 15:01
Last update 8 September 2020 at 15:05
  • GPblog.com

Honda has had tough years in Formula 1, but since working with former Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri, the Japanese have found their way up. The ultimate reward for this collaboration took place at Monza last Sunday with the victory of Pierre Gasly.

Yamamoto is the director of Honda's Formula 1 project and he discusses the relationship between his team and AlpaTauri in a blog. The Japanese person speaks highly of the team based in Italy. Both parties have been working together since 2018

"We think the current results are a result of the races we've done together with Toro Rosso. There is no doubt that Honda was rescued by Toro Rosso/AphaTauri. It hasn't been an easy road but the relationship between us is more than just a team and an engine supplier. We can say that it's mutual love," the director is laudatory and happy.

Yamamoto is also very pleased with the preparations that were made by Toro Rosso before the collaboration started: "Toro Rosso has done a lot to make us function as a team such as training the employees on Japanese culture."

Pierre Gasly wins at Monza

Yamamoto is happy for Pierre Gasly, who he holds in high esteem: "Of the four drivers, we have been working with Pierre the longest. The relationship started during the Japanese Super Formula in 2017. His will and dedication at the time was impressive. It has a very smart and open personality so I remember him as a driver that everyone loved (at the time of Super Formula)".

Pierre Gasly won his first Grand Prix last Sunday, so it was also the first victory for Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri and Honda. The victory will give an extra boost to Honda's morale and possibly affect a longer stay of the engine supplier in Formula 1.