As claims of Honda buying into McLaren continue, a spokesman insists Japanese manufacturer is focussed solely on development of 2015 engine.

The reports, which have emerged over the past 48 hours, claim that the Japanese giant, which left F1 at the end of 2008 selling its operation to Ross Brawn who, having won the 2009 championship, subsequently sold it on the Mercedes, is seeking to buy a stake in the Woking outfit.

However, as Pitpass has pointed out, such a move could only be made with the agreement of the three owners of the McLaren group and even then after the party that is selling the stake has given first option to the other two stakeholders.

As the rumour persists, a McLaren spokesperson this morning told Pitpass: "Contrary to recent media reports, Honda has informed us that it has no intention to buy into McLaren. All of Honda's focus is on the development of its new Formula 1 power unit."

Fact is, if Honda were to be looking to buy into a team - and that's a big if after its last F1 experience - surely it would be better off buying one of several teams known to be 'up for grabs', confirmed or otherwise.

Truth is, development of a race winning power unit for 2015 is more than enough to keep the Japanese company busy for now.

Chris Balfe