More Toro Rosso penalties as Honda modifies power unit

Honda has made minor modifications to its power unit at the United States Grand Prix that will see both Toro Rosso drivers take penalties.

An upgraded power unit was introduced in Russia, but calibration issues meant it didn’t race until Honda’s home race in Japan two weeks ago. Despite strong performance, post-race concerns over the remainder of the season led to further changes, according to Honda F1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe.

"Both drivers will have new PU's this weekend; in the case of Pierre [Gasly] the new unit is already in the car,” Tanabe said. “With Brendon [Hartley], he will start the weekend with a previously used PU and it will be replaced with a new unit on Friday night.

“On both cars, the new units will feature minor modifications to the specification when compared to that used in the Japanese GP.

“After examining the power units used in Suzuka, we had some concerns and so we have decided to make these changes, which we believe is the best strategy for Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda for the remaining races of this season.”

The FIA confirmed a full new power unit for Gasly ahead of the start of FP1 at Circuit of The Americas, meaning the Frenchman will start from the back of the grid. Hartley will have the same penalty, and is set to line up behind his teammate as a result of taking his new components later in the weekend.

Topics

toro rosso

united states grand prix

usgp

Formula 1

Chris Medland

While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.

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