F1: Renault hopeful new engine will be ready for Monaco

Omnisports

May 20, 2016 11:13 PM

Renault hope their upgraded power unit will be available ahead of schedule to provide a boost to themselves and Red Bull.

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Red Bull could have the upgraded Renault engines that performed so well in the recent Barcelona test for next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The relationship between Red Bull and their power unit supplier has been somewhat fractious over the past season and a half, with the former constructors' champions losing their competitiveness against the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.

Improvements have been made in 2016, though, with Max Verstappen claiming Red Bull's first race win since Spa in 2014 at the Spanish Grand Prix last time out.

At the recent in-season test Red Bull were again competitive – Verstappen particularly impressing on the final day – with a new version of their engine, and that could be in use in Monte Carlo.

"The current power unit used since Australia has had several smaller upgrades, and all the drivers were very happy with the standard in Spain," said Renault technical director Remi Taffin.

"In parallel, we've been working on the new spec since the start of the season, but needed to sign off all the parts for reliability and mileage before using on track.

"The tests were very positive and showed it to be more powerful and driveable. We had originally planned to use the new version in Canada when the current units are scheduled to be removed from the cycle, but if we can get the units together and completely validated by Monaco we will use the ones available at this race."

And Taffin hopes the upgrade can help Renault move forward themselves after only scoring six points in the opening five races.

"We are very pleased with the progress made. We were pleased because we did 227 laps without any reliability issues. Additionally, we made progress on the driveability, an important aspect also. Performance-wise, we are equally happy with the steps made.

"We now need to introduce these evolutions as soon as possible starting in Monaco and Canada and hope that they'll enable us to make steps up in the pecking order."

Omnisports