Ferrari to bring power unit upgrade to Barcelona

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has confirmed the Maranello squad will introduce the second spec of its power unit this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The upgrade was originally scheduled to be brought to the Canadian Grand Prix next month.

However, Ferrari has decided to introduce the new unit early, which it hopes will put an end to Mercedes' run of success so far in 2019.

The Silver Arrows have taken four consecutive one-two finishes, with Binotto stating that car development will be key in allowing Ferrari to catch up to their rivals.

“It’s time for the Spanish GP, traditionally a race where most of the teams bring some updates, therefore we can expect to see a step up in performance from our competitors," Binotto said.

"We are currently behind in the championship and we have to catch up, which we know means that our development work will be the key to this season."

Ferrari has displayed in the early races that it holds an advantage over its rivals in a straight line. 

As well as the power unit upgrade that will be seen in Barcelona, Ferrari will bring aerodynamic developments to the upcoming weekend.

"Having brought a new aerodynamic package to Baku, we will also bring some developments in this area to Barcelona," Binotto continued.

"On top of that, we will have a new power unit that we are introducing ahead of schedule, as the second specification was due to be brought to Canada."

Fuel supplier Shell will also introduce upgrades

Binotto reported that Shell, who supply fuel to Ferrari, will also be running an upgraded formula which will run alongside the new power unit.

"Shell, in close collaboration with our team, has developed a different formulation of race lubricant that will also be introduced with the new power unit, delivering increased performance.

"It’s only down to a big team effort with everyone pushing hard to make up ground that we have been able to bring these developments forward.”