Honda F1 Boss got suddenly replaced

Whatttt… After a successful Barcelona F1 testing (well, McLaren-Honda manages a 35 lap, far better than only 6 the same day 1 year ago), Honda today announced a shocking development about the replacement of Honda F1 technical boss, Yasuhisa Arai effective March 1st.

Replacing Arai-san would be Yusuke Hasegawa, currently (taking deep breath to say it in one sentence) Honda Managing Officer and Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Automobile R&D Center, Chief Operating Office, Advanced Research Division.

Hasegawa-san is not a stranger and if you think this guy is just another R&D guy, you are more than wrong, like wrong wrong. He’s been in many field of Honda research field, from applied technology, component, and most importantly, Asimo and hybrid development. He’s the one responsible for Honda groundbreaking Earth Dreams i-DCD hybrid system that put Honda (finally) at even ground with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Subjectively, the i-DCD dual clutch transmission offers more engagement and feel unlike Toyota CVT transmission.

Though some would fuss about the impending doom McLaren-Honda is going to face yet again in the recent personnel change, I see the positive side of this. I emphasize Hasegawa-san on Asimo development, why? Because Asimo is a complex thing, and you know what else is complex? F1 power unit…. No, not engine. Formula 1 new power unit is the reason Honda is back, because it offers a challenge that is currently inline with Honda future planning, to provide hybrid solution to the masses.

It looks like Hasegawa-san position as F1 technical boss is a match made in heaven. However the funny thing is, some argue that F1 development never translates to production car development… Looking back, Honda VTEC was never derived from F1 technology, because it is forbidden for F1 cars then and and now to have variable cam. Now with Hasegawa-san involvement, it seems like F1 car will get a taste of consumer grade development experience.

Godspeed Hasegawa-san, now bring back Honda legendary engineering back into that power unit.

Source:

Honda to get new F1 chief

Yuusuke Hasegawa profile on development of earth dreams hybrid

 

Rubens Barrichello Landed Honda F1 First Podium!

What the hell… Rubens came out unsuspectingly as the third place winner on the Silverstone Formula 1 race… The old dog still has some bite on him…

Wow… Just wow, it is said that it was raining midway through the race (I didn’t watch it). The whole grid was in chaos, but a fast and precise strategy change gives the H-badge a place on the podium. Button was out of the race, but Rubens soldier on… Congratulations!

Honda really does have winning drivers. Hope that both stays for Honda next year, they just need a performing car and everybody will be happy. Ross Brawn intervention also might have a hand in the winning, that man is a pure strategist.

1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:39:09.440
2 Nick Heidfeld BMW 1:08.577
3 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:22.273
4 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari *at 1 lap
5 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren *at 1 lap
6 Fernando Alonso Renault *at 1 lap
7 Jarno Trulli Toyota *at 1 lap
8 Kazuki Nakajima Williams *at 1 lap
9 Nico Rosberg Williams *at 1 lap
10 Mark Webber Red Bull *at 1 lap
11 Sebastien Bourdais Toro Rosso *at 1 lap
12 Timo Glock Toyota *at 1 lap
13 Felipe Massa Ferrari *at 2 laps
14 Robert Kubica BMW *out
15 Jenson Button Honda *out
16 Nelson Piquet Renault *out
17 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India *out
18 Adrian Sutil Force India *out
19 Sebastien Vettel Toro Rosso *out
20 David Coulthard Red Bull *out

Source:

British GP score