Tactical Honda opts to break FIA seal on Kvyat's engine

©ToroRosso

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Honda has opted to deliberately break the FIA seal on the MGU-H and turbocharger elements on Daniil Kvyat's power unit, a tactic aimed at minimizing future grid penalties.

The Russian driver's Toro Rosso was fitted in France with Honda's new Spec-3 engine along with a new MGU-K, Energy Store and Control Electronics, with the changes and subsequent penalties sending Kvyat to the back of the grid on Sunday.

Honda teams get Spec 3 engine for French GP

New MGU-H and turbocharger elements - the third such elements of the season - were also introduced.

While no penalties were associated with these replacements, Honda has chosen to break the FIA seal on the components to technically put Kvyat on his fourth MGU-H and TC, thus maximizing in France the associated grid penalties.

F1 regulations stipulate that the first component change beyond the authorized limit triggers a 10-place grid penalty. However, a second component change beyond the limit triggers a five-spot grid penalty.

The end result for Kvyat is that by boosting the number of used components and maximizing the penalties in France, future engine element changes shall only be punished with a five-spot grid penalty.

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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.