Renault prepares key engine upgrade ahead of Canadian GP

Renault is optimistic its power unit upgrade will deliver vital performance gains to close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari, while the works team will also introduce new aerodynamic and mechanical updates at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The French manufacturer, alongside the majority of its engine rivals, will run a new power unit specification in Montreal as part of his scheduled development plan. While Renault technical chief Nick Chester has been quoted describing the upgrade as a ‘B-spec’, Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul is filled with optimism for the engine updates.

“We therefore look forward to Canada with optimism; we have the next stage of our power unit development scheduled and a number of aero and mechanical upgrades,” Abiteboul said.

“Canada is a tough race, but we need to pull together to make the most of every opportunity.”

Renault and customer team McLaren are expected to take the engine upgrade immediately at the power-dependent Circuit Gilles Villeneuve while Red Bull is yet to formally confirm its plan as grid penalties are starting to threaten the team.

Daniel Ricciardo has already used his permitted number MGU-K units, and if he opts for another unit he will pick up a grid penalty, while teammate Max Verstappen became the first driver to exceed the tight engine unit allowances by taking a third MGU-K and serving a five-place grid penalty in Monaco. Verstappen's grid penalty had little impact as he missed qualifying in Monaco due to his heavy FP3 crash which meant he would start from last regardless of penalties.

Honda has also confirmed a power unit upgrade will be installed for the Canadian Grand Prix while both Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to roll out smaller updates as the 2018 F1 campaign reaches the end of its opening third of rounds.