Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRenault

Renault upgrade was limited in Brazil

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It has emerged that Renault did not use its full token allocation on the engined which powered Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull in Brazil.

It was widely thought that the French manufacturer had exploited eleven of its remaining twelve development tokens in its attempt to boost the performance level of its power unit.

But while the FIA did accept the Renault's initial request, it actually only used seven tokens on the engine introduced in Brazil, and which forced Ricciardo to take a grid penalty.

Renault apparently focused its efforts on the internal combustion engine, while the outstanding balance of tokens is to be devoted to work on the unit's turbocharger. Limited part production and compatibility with the unit's exhaust system were the reasons for the partial upgrade.

Should Renault decide to introduce a fully upgraded engine at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull would have to decide once again whether the increased specification would be worth the subsequent grid penalty.

With the aim of collecting data and enjoying a head's start on its 2016 engine program, Renault would certianly encourage the move, while Red Bull would probably also agree given the pair's renewed partnership arrangement which appears to be in the works.

In spite of the very public spat which tinted the partnership between the two companies this year, it's is expected that Renault will continue supplying its power unit to Red Bull, albeit in an unbranded guise and in a yet to be defined form of collaboration.

REPORT: Rosberg keeps Hamilton at bay to win in Brazil

AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix

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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.