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Renault is preparing to take a step forward with its engine in the coming races. As well as its works team, the French manufacturer supplies engines to Red Bull and McLaren but is still lagging behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
But Spain's AS newspaper reports that a performance step is planned for the Canadian grand prix in June, although single units might be available by Monaco. "According to informed sources, the improvement will be about 30 hp, and on a track like Canada, it would be about three tenths per lap," said the report.
AS said the boost would bring Renault up to about 950 hp, while Mercedes and Ferrari are now nudging 1000. Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul said: "If we follow our plan, it will be a while until the second power unit arrives but there will be an evolution of the ICE and also the fuel."
AS also said Honda is planning an upgrade, with the Toro Rosso drivers to get a 40 hp boost in either Canada or France in June. The report read: "According to rumours, Red Bull have told Honda that the condition of using their power unit next season is that it is equal to the Renault." (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (13)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A fair requirement by Re Bull, I'd say. And its not an impossible ambition either.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
It is. Although realistically I think they'll settle for "pretty close" in terms of power. The relationship with Renault has been strained at best in the PU era, and there is also something to be said for being a works team.
But obviously if Honda is far behind in HP at that time, a switch won't be worth it.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think so too, this is likely not an exact science. And RB's and Renault's relations have deteriorated so much that I think they want nothing more than to part ways. Mind, a 40hp boost for Honda doesnt sound shabby. Especially if it further improves reliability. We need to take into consideration that since the Honda is the smallest and lightest engine on the grid, every increase in power might be worth more compared to the others.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
Just like the promises of French troop reinforcements since time immemorial, dropping from 300.000 to 3.000 on the eve of the battle, the extra bhp that will arrive in Canada will unlikely be in the double digits - if prior promises by Renault are anything to go by.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
And by the same analogy, the Japanese reinforcements will arrive in numbers as promised, but all consist of screaming uncontrollable sword-wielding mad-men with a wish to die swiftly in battle - again if prior promises by Honda are anything to go on :-)
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Lol great observations
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Dont get me wrong, Renault has proven to be capable of some good upgrades, I remember the jump of 2016, but they have been very unkeen of having a constant stream of upgrades for their teams, especially since the midpoint of the seasons so far. If they keep that trend up, Honda could very well inch closer or overtake Renault. I dont trust Renault in keeping up their pace as much as Honda in this regard.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
All in line with the "Now we can fight!" meme, AJPennypacker.
mpm001
Posts: 20
yeah, you don't want Ricciardo, he's very demanding, always wants to fly first class private jets, eats too much from the hospitality building, leaving the toilet seat always up. Yeah you don't want him.
denis1304
Posts: 284
you sure you're commenting under right article
FatMike
Posts: 153
Actually the button for the extra hp is already on the steering. Ricciardo found it in fp3, afterburner and all
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Yeah that was a sight, the flames coming out the back of that Red Bull! Going to see if I can get a HD shot of that for a background wallpaper.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
Maybe they should just reserve the hp uplift for themselves and McL and forget RB - just to please Marko and help him along towards Honda!