Renault introduces new-spec MGU-K, but Red Bull takes a pass

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Next weekend's Austrian Grand Prix will see Renault finally introduce its long awaited new MGU-K component, but Red Bull Racing will likely stick with the older spec version.

Renault's new and much lighter MGU-K has been in development for over a year and was initially scheduled to be introduced last season, but reliability issues delayed its implementation.

The element will be available to all three Renault-powered teams in Austria, but with only two MGU-K components allowed for the season, Red Bull is thinking twice before adopting a specification that has yet to prove reliable in race conditions.

"It’s available for all the cars that want it," Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.

"It happens that not all teams have elected to go to the new spec.

Sainz's day rescued by virtual safety car after MGU-K failure

"It’s one that we’ve been long awaiting, but it’s a bit of a problem that some teams have elected not to use it, which means that they will continue to use the MGU-K of a previous technical definition, with a higher reliability risk.

"But that’s our philosophy, to accept the teams’ choice, having all the information."

The change of specification comes one race after Renault works driver Carlos Sainz suffered an MGU-K failure.

The Spaniard endured a sudden loss of power in the closing stages of the French Grand Prix and only made it home and in the points thanks to the lucky deployment of a virtual safety car.

"It’s a part that we know was fragile," added Abiteboul.

"It’s a part that we deliberately decided to extend the life of, because we knew that there was a new definition, a new spec coming up, with better performance, better packaging and with a better reliability level.

"It’s coming next weekend, but it’s two laps too late for that particular MGU-K!

"Having said that it’s not that bad, because it’s really showing that we are pushing to the limit and we are accepting to take risks."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.