Sauber Formula 1 is "closing on a deal with Honda" to use the Japanese manufacturer's F1 engines next season, according to Lawrence Barretto of MOTORSPORT. The Swiss team has run Ferrari power since '10 but Sauber has been "working on finding a new partner." Talks with Honda have been "ongoing for some time but accelerated in March," and the "finishing touches are now being put to what will be a long-term arrangement." The deal is the "latest step in Sauber's rebuilding plan," after new investors "came onboard last July to save the team and solidify its future in F1." An announcement is expected "in the coming days," with engine manufacturers required to notify the FIA of "who it intends to supply" for '18 by May 6. McLaren Racing Dir Eric Boullier admitted last week that, given Honda's problems this year, the Japanese manufacturer "could benefit from having more teams running its engines." Of the lack of testing miles, Boullier added, "I think in this specific case it's better. I think more teams is better and more engine running is better" (MOTORSPORT, 4/24).
