Ferrari customers won't take new engine in Barcelona

Ferrari's customer teams Haas and Alfa Romeo will not be fitted with the Scuderia's latest-spec power unit at the Spanish grand Prix. Ferrari opted to introduce their upgraded engine earlier than expected, with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel set to benefit in Barcelona.

Engine manufacturers have typically afforded upgrades to customer teams before introducing to the works outfit in order to test reliability, however Ferrari's desperation for a result this weekend may have altered the pattern.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner accepted the change of routine, and says it remains unclear when the American team will receive the latest parts.

"Last year we put it in before them, it was the opposite way around," Steiner said.

"Everyone said, 'Why do you [do] that?' and now we are the other way around. So how should we do it?

"Doing it at the same time is always logistically very difficult for them so one reason or another, depending on the upgrade, they asked us if we are OK and we are fine with it.

"In the end, they need to manage the engine and the mileage and all that stuff.

"We are pretty happy with what they have suggested. It hasn't been decided if we do it in Monte Carlo or Canada."

Asked if the move might cost his side performance at the Circuit de Catalunya comparative to their midfield rivals, Steiner said: "I don't think so because I don't know what they have got. I have nothing to compare with.

"It is just a decision we took. That is it, there is nothing behind it. It is a bit of a different spec and it is fine."

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