Renault confident with or without upgrades

Renault says it is heading to the United States Grand Prix confident it can deliver some good results, even if its upgraded engine is not used.

Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10

As Motorsport.com reported, Renault has used 11 of its remaining 12 engine development tokens to introduce a new specification power unit for this weekend.

However, a final decision on whether or not it will be used will only be taken after meetings are held with Red Bull to decide if the performance benefits outweigh the handicap of grid penalties if it is brought in to play.

Improved potential

Renault's director of operations Remi Taffin said that recent progress in solving reliability and maximising the potential of its power unit has lifted confidence.

“Whatever spec we do use, we are looking forward to Austin,” he said. “Our reliability has been good in the last three races and performance more in line with our expectations; both our teams just need a clean weekend to show the improved potential of both packages.”

Upgrades confirmed

Taffin also confirmed that the modifications made to the power unit were focused on the internal combustion engine elements.

“The principal changes involve the internals of the ICE to give improved power and efficiency,” he said. “We know that introducing the new PU will incur a grid penalty so the decision to use will be made in full consultation with the teams.

“At this point of the season obviously points are crucial so if circumstances allow then we will use on track.”