Honda may already be struggling with 2016 reliability

For McLaren-Honda, the speculative reports are running as thick and fast as the expectations of a much better campaign for the famous Anglo-Japanese collaboration.

The 2015 season was a horror reunion for the old partners, but recent speculation suggested Honda has found a staggering 200 horse power over the winter.

Another report, however, is that the step forward has come at a cost. Auto Hebdo claims Honda's 2016 power unit has proved unreliable on the test benches so far.

"According to our information, Honda is already preparing a fleet of replacement engines, as four per driver will not be enough," it said.

Marca, a Spanish sports newspaper that closely follows the career of Fernando Alonso, revealed that McLaren's 2016 car will be launched online at about midday on February 21.

The following day, it will hit the track at Barcelona.