Honda is working on proving the durability of its next Formula 1 engine upgrade and is encouraged by the numbers on the dynos back at its base in Sakura.

The Japanese manufacturer spent two development tokens on an internal combustion upgrade for McLaren ahead of the British Grand Prix and has 11 remaining.

Though Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa told Autosport earlier this month the firm is planning to wait four or five races before introducing its next update, he said that timescale was flexible, depending on progress — with signs encouraging at present.

“We always keep developing, so as soon as we can prepare something there is no reason to wait to introduce it,” he told Autosport.

When asked about the numbers on the dyno at the factory for the next upgrade, Hasegawa said: “We saw some elements are good.

“We just have to prove that it is OK as a package and, also, we need to complete durability confirmation.

“There is no end for the development.

“We have some room to improve, especially from an ICE point of view.

“I think we will spend all tokens for this year.”

Though this weekend’s German Grand Prix venue Hockenheim requires strong top speed, Hasegawa is optimistic about McLaren’s chances of scoring again.

“At Silverstone we were not very weak but in the midfield, so I expect to challenge for points in Hockenheim as well,” he said.

“In Spa or Monza, it will be very tough, but I expect to get some points at Hockenheim.”

— Autosport