Hilo OFICIAL PRETEMPORADA F1 2016

[LastSamurai]

In fact, Arai's departure is based on an inevitable future event, for Honda's company policy means that Arai must retire when he hits 60 later this year.

"It is not related to engine horsepower nor performance – it is about my age and that I cannot change," he explained. "I was 58, I am 59, and I will be 60. It is a normal organisational change."

He added: "Usually Japanese companies have a retirement age, and Honda's regulation is for that to be 60. I am going to be 60, so I have to give someone my baton. That is basic policy.

"But it was very difficult to make a decision of timing: it is not my job. The company has to make this decision of when, or what timing.

"So our board member meeting and general administration people have been talking about when is the best point? So finally after the race season in 2015, we decided to change the organisation.

"So I asked Hasegawa-san if he we would go on the new role, and I have to move to new role, like company advisor."