MCLAREN-HONDA

Official confirmation expected soon

LONDON that Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz is set to move to Renault in 2018, and maybe even before, have further fuelled speculation that the deal is done.

The Spaniard’s move would be part of a general agreement that will see Honda take their engines to Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, whose Renault supply would then become available for McLaren.

McLaren need a more competitive engine to satisfy sponsors and retain the services of Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Spanish media and online reports said Sainz - a young talent long coveted by Renault — was set to move to the French manufacturer team as a sweetener for Toro Rosso terminating their engine contract.

Some suggested Sainz could be in yellow overalls as soon as Malaysia, the race after this week’s Singapore Grand Prix, if Renault dispense with the services