Honda’s new Spec‑2 engine set for Zandvoort debut

Aston Martin heads to Zandvoort expecting a significant boost from Honda’s new Spec‑2 power unit, set to arrive after the team debuted Adrian Newey’s lighter, upgraded chassis in Hungary. The weight reduction already delivered progress, helping Fernando Alonso reach Q2, but the Dutch Grand Prix marks the moment Honda aims to complete the team’s performance leap following a difficult start to the season.

Honda engineer Shintaro Orihara detailed the changes made at Sakura, explaining that the focus was on accelerating combustion. The precamber has been redesigned to speed up ignition, while the piston shape has been altered to improve burn quality. Lubrication systems were also revised to reduce internal friction. Although Orihara declined to reveal the expected power gain, he confirmed Honda met its internal targets and expressed confidence in the Spec‑2 unit.

The upgrade arrives under an ADUO allowance, with Honda’s engine currently considered the weakest in the field.