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F1 Bahrain GP: McLaren confirms Honda engine didn’t survive Alonso smash

Fernando Alonso will make use of a new Honda power unit for the second round of the Formula 1 World Championship after damage from his huge shunt in Australia proved too terminal.

Alonso suffered a spectacular 300kmh airborne crash during the Australian Grand Prix, but while the two-time champion remarkably walked away unharmed, his McLaren MP4-31 was left with serious damage.

Furthermore, while McLaren and Honda were optimistic it could salvage the power unit for the rebuilt chassis, further inspection revealed this wasn't possible.

"After a chaotic Australian weekend, we head off to our first night race of the season in Bahrain," said new Honda F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa.

"We have recovered the power unit from Fernando's car used in Melbourne. After initial investigations, we are massively disappointed that the ICE and most of the surrounding parts have been heavily damaged, as the impact from the accident was just too great. We will be replacing the complete power unit in Bahrain."

Despite the unwelcome outcome, Alonso was however full of praise for the McLaren and Honda mechanics for their efforts in rebuilding the destroyed chassis.

"There's been a massive effort from the teams in Woking and Sakura, who have been flat-out manufacturing parts for this race to ensure we can get back up to speed after the chassis was damaged, and I'm hugely impressed with how quickly they've managed to turn it around."

Zdroj: crash.net