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Renault won't use upgraded engine in Belgium, despite grid penalties

Photo: © LAT Images

Renault won't use upgraded engine in Belgium, despite grid penalties

But there's method behind the apparent madness...

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Renault have reverted to 'B-Spec' engines for the Belgian Grand Prix, despite Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg taking grid penalties at Spa-Francorchamps.

McLaren's Carlos Sainz has also reportedly opted for the, on the face of it, peculiar strategy.

All three drivers are thought to have run the upgraded power unit on Friday in Belgium, before reverting to the old engine in Saturday practice.

Renault explained that the decision was taken to make the change at Spa, a track that is favourable to overtaking.

As such, Ricciardo and Hulkenberg will be able to fit the fresh engine in a week's time at the Italian Grand Prix - the largest test of power on the F1 schedule - without taking penalties at Monza.

Ricciardo and Hulkenberg will drop five places on the grid from the qualifying position, with Sainz facing a similar punishment.

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