McLaren predicting improved performance in Austria through "Spec 3" engine

Yusuke Hasegawa is expecting improved competitiveness from McLaren at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix when Honda introduce its third specification power unit of the season in Spielberg. The 'Spec 3' engine was trialled by Fernando Alonso at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, however, with a a large number of grid penalties ahead of the race, Honda opted to switch back to an old specification engine to continue development on the new one. 

“At the previous round in Azerbaijan, we were able to bank our first points of the year and I think it brought some brightness into our team,” said the Honda chief when talking to Formula1.com. “We also tested the updated PU, the Spec Three, with Fernando on Friday and we were able to confirm some progress in terms of the power output. We have proceeded with the mapping back at the factory utilising the data we collected, and we are going to bring the Spec Three for both drivers this weekend. I think we have some improvements in our competitiveness and I am looking forward to seeing our performance in Austria.”

McLaren team principal Eric Boullier also admitted that McLaren could be more competitive in Austria, with the team also bringing new chassis updates as well as the Spec 3 power unit. "There's been no let-up in our development push all season, and, while the result in Azerbaijan was nothing to truly celebrate, it was a sign that we are working well and able to capitalise whenever an opportunity presents itself," he said.

"With a number of improvements planned for the Austrian weekend, not least the proposed new Spec 3 power unit upgrade from Honda, I'm hopeful that we'll be in a position to get amid the other midfield runners and take a useful step forwards."

At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren took its first points finish of 2017 so far when Fernando Alonso finished in ninth place. Despite breaking into the top ten positions for the first time this season, McLaren still lie in last place in the Constructor's Championship, 3 points behind Sauber.

Chris Soulsby