McLaren-BMW deal sparks F1 rumors (Update)
McLaren's current works partner in F1 is Honda, the Japanese marque that since 2015 has been clearly the least impressive 'power unit' performer on the grid.
It then emerged that, for its future road car projects, McLaren Automotive is tying up with BMW, the German carmaker that pulled out of F1 at the end of 2009.
But when some reports hinted at a potential McLaren-BMW collaboration in F1, a spokesman for the British team said the McLaren-Honda project remains "completely unchanged".
"McLaren Racing and Honda remain fully committed to one another in formula one," Marca sports newspaper quotes the spokesman as adding. (GMM)
02/03/17 (GMM) F1 journalists are wondering if McLaren's works relationship with Honda could be on unsteady ground.
The British team made progress in 2016, but the now more than two year relationship with Honda following the Japanese carmaker's return to F1 has been otherwise troubled.
So it is with interest that some commentators digested this week's news that McLaren's road car making arm is teaming up with BMW on an engine project.
"This is an exciting project that plays to the strengths of all partners," said McLaren Automotive chief Mike Flewitt.
But already, some are wondering if the new McLaren-BMW partnership could eventually lead to a foray in formula one.
Manuel Franco, the correspondent for the Spanish sports daily AS, said he has heard rumors that BMW is in fact working on a "V6 turbo", which is the configuration of today's F1 power units.
"It is also inevitable to recall that there was recently talk of BMW's return to F1, and that there may be a secret hybrid V6 turbo project ready to launch," Franco said.
BMW pulled out of F1 after 2009, following a works foray with Sauber.