Daniil Kvyat's expected grid penalty for the French Grand Prix has now been confirmed, as the Russian takes on new engine components.
Honda introduces its Spec 3 engine at the Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend, with the Red Bulls and Kvyat taking on the upgrade, while Alexander Albon will use it at a later race.
MORE: Albon explains why Kvyat gets Spec 3 Honda upgrade
As Kvyat was already on the limit with the engine parts he has used this season, the Toro Rosso driver has been hit with a grid penalty, meaning he will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid.
As well as taking on a new combustion engine, he has also exceeded his penalty-free usage of the MGU-H, energy store and control electronics components.
A new turbocharger has also been fitted to the power unit, however it doesn't incur a penalty as its introduction doesn't go beyond the limit of three that can be used per season without punishment.
Speaking about the new Honda upgrade for the weekend, Kvyat insisted that the upgrade will not be significant, and the improvements will only be minimal.
Local time
Local time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They will likely not be enough to compensate for a grid drop, but they will probably benefit him in the races after France. IMO, France was probably not the best track for them anyway, so might aswell give this one up. *sigh* See what you make me say, FIA? I intentionally say "might aswell take the penalty". This is what you make me do. The 3 component rule is madness. Madness and stupidity, and for the love of the Darth Plagueis the Wise, increase the components! Deliver us!
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Should be interesting to watch Kvyat and Danny RIC this weekend who both have new spec engines from competing manufacturers. Don't agree on the 3 components though. Engines and other components could be built to last the whole season if they were really pushed on the point. Reliability is high enough that they could probably only update engines when they want to introduce an upgrade. I would probably give them 1 or 2 more myself but as we saw last season the engines lasted and the number was reduced by 1 this year. Without component regulation the big teams would be using a new engine for every qualy and a new one again for the race.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
My shrimp isn't that they can't last, my shrimp is that they can't last and push simultaneously. Even the top teams have to lift and coast too much compared to what I'd prefer, and the 3 spec regulation really hurts the lower teams, the ones that actually needs the upgrades and to have fresh units to take. At the very least lump the allocations together more and let them take more or less of certain components to better optimize how the teams work their stuff.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Always fun to see Kvyat fighting with others