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F1: Renault ready for power unit penalties

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Khatir Soltani
Renault Sport F1’s Remi Taffin explained that the French Formula 1 engine supplier is ready to face penalties linked to the use of a 6th engine from now on.

The 2014 power units comprise six separate elements, of which five of each are available to each driver per season before they are penalised.

Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat became the first man to incur a penalty when he used a sixth Renault engine at the last round in Singapore, and over half the field have now used five of at least one element.

“Reliability will start to play a major role in results at this point in the season since every team and driver has had to mix and match as we have learnt more on the operation of the power unit,” said Remi Taffin, head of track operations at Renault Sport F1, in an interview posted on Formula1.com.

“We are however fairly at ease on this front since we have committed ourselves to introduce a sixth power unit where needed. The picture is a lot clearer now and although not exactly ideal to have to introduce new parts and take penalties, we can do this at races where the impact will be minimised.”

F1 Red Bull RB10 Renault engine
Renault engine installed in the Red Bull RB10. (Photo: WRi2)

Taffin, who oversees power unit supply to Red Bull, Lotus, Toro Rosso and Caterham, added that we could even see teams run fewer miles in practice at Suzuka, in order to save engines for the rest of the year. However, he insisted that Renault is ready for the technically taxing Japanese circuit.

“Due to the strain on each part, we will, where possible, introduce new components for this race,” he commented.

“We believe Suzuka will be a good challenge, but one that we are looking forward to with no worries.”

Red Bull Racing has already resigned itself to Sebastian Vettel incurring an engine penalty in 2014, the world champion having used five to date, as well as five turbochargers and MGU-Hs.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada