McLaren may be in line for a boost as Honda will introduce the ‘Spec 3’ power unit at the next Grand Prix in Austria, following a test on Friday in Azerbaijan.
Both Stoffel Vandoorne and Fernando Alonso took heavy grid penalties in Baku to take on new, improved engine parts. However, Alonso would also test the full ‘Spec 3’ unit in practice before switching back to an older spec for the remainder of the weekend.
Initial reports indicated the Spaniard as enjoying a 15kph boost along the two-kilometre main straight, although wing settings, fuel load and power modes are all variables toward that figure. If that was representative, however, it would eliminate all of the significant deficit McLaren has had to their rivals in qualifying this past weekend.
The main aim of the latest upgrade was to solve the vibration issues and problems with the ERS that have been responsible for most of the poor reliability this year, although it is very unrealistic to say one upgrade will indeed do so.
“For the next round in Austria, we are scheduled to bring our updated Spec 3 PU for both cars following the successful test here in Azerbaijan,” Honda F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa said.
“In the meantime, we will continue our development with our best efforts in order to continue closing the gap.”
It is very likely the introduction of the new Japanese engine could incur yet more grid penalties, though confirmation will come next week.