Honda stalls plan to race new engine

The Japanese manufacturer's 2002 powerplant, which is understood to be the second widest-angle V10 in F1 to Renault's, has produced disappointing results thus far. Its plan to use a new motor in qualifying in Canada has been put on hold, despite testing the unit in both France and Britain last week.

"Following the tests at Paul Ricard and Silverstone last week with the next step engine which we had planned to use in qualifying at the Canadian Grand Prix, we have decided to carry out additional testing before the final implementation," said Shuhei Nakamoto, Honda Racing Development's race and test team manager.

"We will race in Canada with a further developed engine with increased performance based on the engine used for qualifying in Austria. We will continue with the development programme over the next couple of races and are optimistic for increased performance."

Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella is the only one of the four Honda-powered drivers who have scored a point this season.