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Honda eyeing engine customer for 2018 - Boullier

Switzerland - Honda could finally be set to add a customer team to its beleaguered Formula 1 engine supply programme.

Since the struggling Japanese carmaker re-entered the sport in 2015, there have been rumours of customer deals, including with Red Bull and Sauber.

READ: Vandoorne under ‘no pressure’ amid McLaren crisis - Boullier   

But works partner McLaren has had 'veto' power, and former team supremo Ron Dennis has insisted on exclusivity.

That could be about to change.

Honda is struggling more than ever in 2017, amid the latest rising speculation that a customer deal with Sauber is on the cards for next year and seen as an easy way to effectively double the data needed to improve.

READ: More problems for McLaren as oil leak ends F1 testing

Asked if the road is now clear for a 'customer' Honda team, McLaren team boss Eric Boullier said: "I think so.

The Frenchman is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick: "We will provide support in finding a customer. 

"This year, Honda would not have been able. Everybody would have been weakened. But now things are different."

82 laps completed on the final day of the #BahrainTest. ?? #McLarenHonda #F1 #SV2

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