316 replies to this topic

[Owen]

Thought it an opportune time to start a new thread solely devoted to the MP4-29H/1X1 . The start of a new era for McLaren and Honda in Formula 1.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday, here in Abu Dhabi, we’ll be testing our hybrid McLaren-Honda MP4-29H/1X1 for the first time, following our filming day with the car at Silverstone last week. It’s an exciting time for both McLaren and Honda, and for all who sail and will sail in the good ship McLaren-Honda. Ahead of us are many weeks of hard graft, but you may be well sure we’re up for the task." Eric Boullier.

@HondaJP: "First ever shot of the McLaren Honda. Start of a new era!" #F1_Honda http://t.co/VHdIH5YzvW

http://www.autoblog....-honda-mp4-29h/

Edited by Owen, 23 November 2014 - 20:45.

[Maustinsj]

Looks fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought I'd get in there first.

[MortenF1]

So Vandoorne is getting some mileage. Both Button and Magnussen too I presume?

[Cyanide]

race addicted, on 23 Nov 2014 - 20:49, said:

So Vandoorne is getting some mileage. Both Button and Magnussen too I presume?

 

Vandoorne is testing on both days. 

[Emilvang]

race addicted, on 23 Nov 2014 - 20:49, said:

So Vandoorne is getting some mileage. Both Button and Magnussen too I presume?

Nope, Vandoorne both days.

[Raziel]

Interesting and I can´t wait!

[MortenF1]

Cyanide, on 23 Nov 2014 - 20:51, said:

Vandoorne is testing on both days. 

 

 

Emilvang, on 23 Nov 2014 - 20:51, said:

Nope, Vandoorne both days.

 

I know that, but I was wondering if both Button and Magnussen would also drive. Would've probably heard about it one wasn't, but I'm asking to be sure.

[10e10]

I'm more excited for this test than I have been for all season.

[Cyanide]

race addicted, on 23 Nov 2014 - 21:03, said:

I know that, but I was wondering if both Button and Magnussen would also drive. Would've probably heard about it one wasn't, but I'm asking to be sure.

 

When would they be driving if Vandoorne has been announced to test on both days? There's no more testing until February. 

[MortenF1]

Split days. Has happened hundreds of times before.

[sniper80]

Well that makes sense to get a Mercedes / Honda comparison in terms of driveability. Put in a driver with 0% Mercedes experience. Way to go McLaren-Honda 

[Nicktendo86]

I'm sure they will have plenty of data to compare and hasn't Stoff driven the 29 anyway?

Edit: yes he did at a couple of tests this season.

Edited by Nicktendo86, 23 November 2014 - 21:42.

[BillBald]

I think Vandoorne has possibly driven the new car in the simulator, so that might be a reason for using him in the test.

 

A cynic might suspect that they don't want to compare him with Jenson, in case Jenson turns out to be quicker.

[Button4life]

McLaren better build a good car next season!

[jimjimjeroo]

are they even allowed to "officially" test the Honda engine?  

[bogi]

Race drivers aren't confirmed, they don't wanna give any info to the guy who would leave.

[frosty125]

I'm thinking that speed traps in testing should give us a fair idea of engine performance. Wonder what they will be able to extract from the new aero package as well.

[Imateria]

jimjimjeroo, on 23 Nov 2014 - 21:49, said:

are they even allowed to "officially" test the Honda engine?  

Well it's an official test, what do you think?

[DinocoBlue]

I know this'll sound nerdy, but I love the sound of MP4-29H/1X1. Although I hope its just plain old MP4-30 next year.

[muramasa]

Arai interview done in Abu Dhabi weekend on "filiming day" test at Silverstone

 

http://as-web.jp/f1s...c_id=1&no=61760

• The car just went on track, nothing less nothing more, not about pursuing performance yet like some might expect. It's about few laps, really. Same as what must have been like for other existing manufacturers back in this year's first test at Jerez, I guess 
• Encountering some expected issues such as noise and system communication glitch. and taking time tackling those issues atm. Working on it by checking the order of launching controller of each system one by one. Sometimes something doesnt start or sth like that, so dealing with each issue.
• MP4-29H is a car made by copy & paste based on 29. Bulkhead and position of transmission axis is regulated by regs so that's the same, but other than that, our package is quite different from Merc's, so adapted things to retrofit it by handmade. Main purpose of the chassis is for checking electronics.
• havent reached the stage to assess cooling yet. Recovery system worked, but not about pursuing performance yet
• At forthcoming Abu Dhabi test, we will check data communication b/w track and Japan/Mclaren as well. Will use Honda's network, so will have to monitor various things. should take time
• we do race for win, that's what partnering with Mclaren should mean. Excuse like "1st year is exercise/learning year" isnt acceptable
• Concerned that F1 might vanish if it fail to appeal to wider generation. In fact many people dont know "powered by HONDA". ATM talking with Mclaren on on-car logo/emblem thing as part of comprehensive contract talk. We want to increase public awareness of Honda by participating in F1, so. Think it's ok if it's about/through liking drivers.

[chumma]

Not up to checking cooling yet...hmmmm that to me sounds worrisome, thought they would have had a test rig like Merc to test cooling/packaging etc. Still excited, lets hope for a Red Bull chassis and a powerful engine

[Timstr11]

chumma, on 24 Nov 2014 - 06:39, said:

Not up to checking cooling yet...hmmmm that to me sounds worrisome, thought they would have had a test rig like Merc to test cooling/packaging etc. Still excited, lets hope for a Red Bull chassis and a powerful engine

The cooling will be very different in the mp4-30 as cooling is highly dependent on the aero shapes of the car and of course how the radiators are arranged. So even if cooling is no problem in the test car, the physical installation in the 2015 car will be very different and thus affect heat transfer differently.

[Gilles4Ever]

McLaren @McLarenF1

Be the first to welcome the dawn of a new era. #McLarenHonda amp.twimg.com/v/5be6dee0-729…

[muramasa]

chumma, on 24 Nov 2014 - 06:39, said:

Not up to checking cooling yet...hmmmm that to me sounds worrisome, thought they would have had a test rig like Merc to test cooling/packaging etc. Still excited, lets hope for a Red Bull chassis and a powerful engine

of course they have rigs, but the whole point of 29H is to evaluate all the system in actual on-car environment, and squeeze out those initial glitches.

When testing you progress by checking it one by one according to program but it's just that they didnt reach the cooling part with 29H yet, not that they've never tested cooling at all before in factory.

it seems the PU that's on 29H is 3rd version that they've been testing since Sept. They want to actually run it to test how it all works as a whole system, know/solve problems and get data for the final config of PU and the new car.

[sultanofhyd]

Gilles4Ever, on 24 Nov 2014 - 07:18, said:

 

McLaren @McLarenF1

Be the first to welcome the dawn of a new era. #McLarenHonda amp.twimg.com/v/5be6dee0-729…

 

 

That must be the first time any team did some actual filming on 'filming day'.

[jcbc3]

yeah, I was impressed/surprised that McLaren had filming days left that late in the season. :-)

[frosty125]

They probably saved it on purpose

[jimjimjeroo]

Imateria, on 23 Nov 2014 - 22:59, said:

Well it's an official test, what do you think?

Running a different engine is no different to running a different driver I guess, hence Red Bull blocked Vettels Ferrari test..

When is the Mercedes contract up? As they are the official supplier to McLaren

[MissingTheApex]

Loving the sound of the engines all being different this year and now the Honda's different too.

[DinocoBlue]

Nice little promo

[B3ndy]

Gilles4Ever, on 24 Nov 2014 - 07:18, said:

 

McLaren @McLarenF1

Be the first to welcome the dawn of a new era. #McLarenHonda amp.twimg.com/v/5be6dee0-729…

 

 

Is it just me or did the end of that video look like the car was failing on the track? An odd way to end a promotional video!

[Tommay]

B3ndy, on 24 Nov 2014 - 09:51, said:

Is it just me or did the end of that video look like the car was failing on the track? An odd way to end a promotional video!

Exactly what I was thinking!

[Stephane]

He's heading to the pits

[Owen]

McLaren ‏@McLarenF1  47m47 minutes ago

A new era: preparations take shape ahead of Abu Dhabi testing. #McLarenHonda pic.twitter.com/O0JpTToVDo

[Nicktendo86]

Need one of those shirts!!!!

[topical]

I hope it's a rocket and that McLaren and Alonso can together make up for 2007.

[alframsey]

Fingers crossed McLaren hit the ground running! What I would give for a titanic Lewis vs Alonso battle next season, it would be mega.

[Owen]

@hlawiczka: #F1 First IMAGE of #Honda power unit at the back of #McLaren MP4-29H/1X1 (cc: @ScarbsF1) http://t.co/LBM8hv1Nov

[Nicktendo86]

Scarbs has tweeted a couple of impressions from the tiny image Owen has posted about. Says the air to air intercooler is on the right side which is opposite to the Merc and a long airbox suggests they have not split the turbo.

[frosty125]

I'm no expert but from these photos that airbox looks no longer than the Merc one. Also it might be air water intercooler.

 

Edited by frosty125, 24 November 2014 - 14:10.

[Costaz]

Quote

 

Stoffel Vandoorne ‏@svandoorne 2h2 hours ago

Allready back in the F1 paddock. Engineers meeting done. Ready and set to take the Honda powered @McLarenF1 to the track tomorrow!

[frosty125]

 

comparison in air box looks as if compressor is at front.

Edited by frosty125, 24 November 2014 - 14:09.

[Emilvang]

When does the test start tomorrow and does autosport cover it?

[purpleturtle]

Excited for new livery. I reckon it's gonna be volcano orange: https://media.mclare...torshow0773.jpg

 

https://twitter.com/...752354391048195

 

https://twitter.com/...761646485696513

 

Though we might have to wait for MP4-30 to see it

[frosty125]

Really don't think it will be....

[Frankbullitt]

That metallic orange from the first picture is amazing, I would love to see that on the grid.

[Morgan00]

Gintonious, on 24 Nov 2014 - 17:58, said:

That metallic orange from the first picture is amazing, I would love to see that on the grid.

^This. Damn that's sexy

[bogi]

Black outfits and pure orange.

 

 

 

[Owen]

@techF1LES: #techF1 First pics of MP4-29H suggests Honda develops similar split turbo arrangement to Mercedes (note short airbox) http://t.co/3F69r2BGiT

[Mika Mika]

Owen, on 24 Nov 2014 - 20:51, said:

@techF1LES: #techF1 First pics of MP4-29H suggests Honda develops similar split turbo arrangement to Mercedes (note short airbox) http://t.co/3F69r2BGiT

Doesn't mean anything, it has to go through the intercooler before it touches the compressor...