Jordan are expected to have several improved aerodynamic parts available for the upcoming San Marino race and Honda will be supplying an evolution of their new RA002E engine as well.

The Japanese firm also revealed that their engines had been running on reduced revs during the first three fly-away grands prix in order to improve the reliability. Unfortunately the plan would not appear to have worked as only five cars, out of twelve possibilities, have reached the chequered flag, and those that did were way off the pace. Honda are however confident that their modifications which reduce the internal friction and allow the introduction of increased revs will help move their teams further up the field.

"Although we've had a tough start to the season we're determined to keep fighting. We're introducing a new evolution of the engine for Imola, which, although it isn't a huge step, is a definite step in the right direction," Honda's Race and Test Team Manager Shuhei Nakamoto explained. "Our aim is to produce the best engine in Formula One and ultimately win the world championship and I am confident that we are taking the first steps to achieve our goal."

It is rumoured that Honda have now dropped serious development on the current spec engine to a minimum and are now focusing their attention on the next big evolution. The new engine is currently undergoing bench testing, and is said to be a major upgrade from the current unit. Initial reports suggest that they will significantly close the gap to what they believe are the current top horsepower engines in Formula One.