The future of Honda is seemingly set to be decided in the very near future, with many of the sports major players putting their opinion into the mix about what should happen with Honda and McLaren. The key to negotiation seems to be Toro Rosso who are the ones most likely to pick up a Honda engine should McLaren decide they want to dump Honda.

All engine manufacturers are only permitted to supply three teams and with McLaren wanting Renault engines it would mean either Honda would have to drop out of the sport entirely triggering an extenuating circumstance or at least one team being supplied which would most likely be Toro Rosso if McLaren get the switch. If neither of these things happen McLaren would be forced to run Honda engines.

The bosses of the sport such as Ross Brawn and Jean Todt would much rather Honda stay in the sport as they are a major manufacturer bringing a lot of money to the sport, but the lack of competitiveness from their engine means none of the teams would really be willing to take up their engines for next years, with McLaren's star driver Fernando Alonso a main player in wanting to get rid of his teams Honda engines.

Renault seem to be willing to take on McLaren but would have problems supplying four teams and would only reluctantly take on McLaren as they would have a close competitor with same engine with Alain Prost saying: "Our priority is success as a factory team, If we had to supply four teams, it becomes very difficult for us with resources."

FIA president Jean Todt believes the simplest solution is just for McLaren to remain with Honda, and is very keen for Honda to stay in the sport saying: I've had talks with Honda. I really hope they stay.We know the rules -- that no manufacturer can equip more than three teams. And changes of engine manufacturer must be announced before 1 June.



"We have a team that already has a contract. Basically I do not want to talk about facts that are a bit unclear, but I will do everything I can to find a solution that keeps everyone involved in the sport."

Sam Gale