After the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda has kept an Aston Martin AMR26 at its Sakura facility. The goal is to conduct static tests to reduce vibrations and increase engine reliability. Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara confirmed that they worked intensively with the team during the April break, achieving progress that will allow additional corrective measures to be implemented in Miami and later in the season.
Technical analysis: how to tackle engine vibrations 🔧
Honda's team focuses on identifying the vibration frequencies affecting the turbo hybrid V6 and its integration with the AMR26 chassis. Static tests in Sakura allow simulating race loads without the risk of failure on track. Orihara explained that the collected data has already been used to adjust certain internal engine components and the rear suspension. Partial solutions will be tested in Miami, with a more comprehensive update planned for later. The goal is for the engine not to disintegrate before the checkered flag.
Honda: from massage vibrator to car vibrator 😂
Honda has gone from making engines that sounded like vacuum cleaners to making chassis vibrate like a battery-powered toy. Luckily, they've kept an AMR26 in Sakura to give it a technical massage. Hopefully, the engineers won't confuse the button to reduce vibrations with the one to turn on the air conditioning. At the rate they're going, maybe in Miami the car won't vibrate, but it will start foaming like a latte.