FIA allows Honda to introduce in-season engine developments

FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting has confirmed that Honda will be allowed to develop its power unit throughout the 2015 season on a similar basis as was allowed for the other manufacturers.

Honda were initially left out of the possibility to introduce updates to its power units during the season after a loophole in the regulations allowed Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault to still improve its engine during the 2015 season. Honda on the other hand could not make use of the loophole, as it had to homologate its engine on February 28, according to the regulations.

FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting approved the loophole via a letter to all teams, triggering a complaint from McLaren and Honda, who felt betrayed as they were set to join Formula One, expecting no changes were allowed for no supplier during 2015.

The situation seemed difficult to sustain, and experts agreeing that Honda could easily win the case in court. It didn't come that far however, as the BBC reports a letter by Charlie Whiting now allows Honda some freedom to develop its engine.

"If the three 2014 manufacturers have eight, seven and five unused tokens respectively at the start of the season, then the new manufacturer will be allowed to use six during the season (the average rounded down to the nearest whole number),” reads a letter sent by FIA race director Charlie Whiting.

The ruling means that development will still depend on rivals' decisions, but it is expected that none of the manufacturers will opt to use up all their tokens ahead of the season, hence opening up the development window for Honda as well.