Toro Rosso seals ‘multi-year’ Honda deal

Toro Rosso will use Honda power units from the 2018 Formula 1 world championship in a ‘multi-year deal’.

The Italian squad, a feeder team to Red Bull, has split from Renault to take up the sole supply of Honda engines after the Japanese manufacturer confirmed its divorce from McLaren in Singapore.

In a complex deal which is expected to see Carlos Sainz move to Renault for 2018, Toro Rosso will hope Honda can turnaround its fortunes to produce a competitive engine and profit as the Japanese manufacturer’s sole supplier.

"Everyone in our team is very much looking forward to working with Honda,” Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost said. “Ever since its founder Soichiro Honda entered his motorcycles in events, racing has always been a central part of the company's ethos. It's a very exciting challenge and I hope that both parties will gain a great deal from it as we develop together.

“Honda has a long history in Formula 1, dating back to 1964 when it first entered the sport with its own team and, as an engine supplier it has taken five Drivers' World Championship titles and six Constructors. This heritage, together with the full confidence that we have in Honda's capabilities to succeed, make me strongly believe that we will achieve a fruitful future together.”

Honda President Takahiro Hachigo is thrilled to begin a new partnership with Toro Rosso and has directly thanked the efforts of F1 owners Liberty Media and the FIA for their work in getting the deal completed.

"Toro Rosso is an experienced team with a youthful energy and history of nurturing the stars of the future,” Hacigo said. “Everyone at Honda is looking forward to working with Toro Rosso, and we are excited to start this new chapter in our Formula 1 journey with them.

“I would like to express our appreciation to Liberty Media and the FIA for their cooperation toward the realisation of this partnership. Honda and Toro Rosso will work as one team to strive for progress and a successful future together. We appreciate the support of our fans as we begin this challenge."