Renault hopes to get back the new specification of their kinetic motor-generator unit, which due to reliability issues could not be used from the start of the season.
Problems with MGU-K were exposed in pre-season testing in Barcelona, where the kinetic motor-generator broke down several times and French manufacturer had to bring the old specification in Australia in order not to risk possible failures.
The old specification of MGU-K were used by all three teams that use Renault engines (Renault, Red Bull and Toro Rosso) while return to the old specification has not been without consequences because of the additional weight of 5 kilograms and additional bottle of compressed air for cooling that adds another 1 kg, says Autosport.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that the RB13 is about five kilograms above the minimum weight and believes that the problem will be solved when Renault reintroduces new MGU-K.
Renault will bring minor improvements to their power unit at fifth race in Spain while bigger upgrade should arrive in Canada.
However, new MGU-K could arrive much sooner, maybe even at the fourth race of the season in Russia in late April.
“We plan to go back to the new MGU-K as soon as possible,” said Renault’s managing director Cyril Abiteboul for Autosport.
“As you know, power is determined by the rules [120 kW, ie. 163 HP], so there’s nothing we can do about it, but there is a question of weight.”
“A little bit of weight, a little bit of cooling, a little of conditions in which it can use. All of this is improved on the new MGU-K.”
“We’ll bring it as soon as we can.”
FIA introduced a minimum weight for MGU-K (7 kg) for 2017 which means that last year’s version weighed at least 12 kilograms.
Renault 2017. power unit – R.E.17 (Photo: Renault)
