Renault follows rivals with engine upgrade, and penalties

Renault is set to bolt on its new upgraded Spec-C unit to the back of both Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg's cars at Spa.

It will be the third evolution this season of the manufacturer's V6 hybrid engine.

However, the cost of using the new Internal Combustion Engine will be a five-spot grid penalty for both Renault drivers, a deficit the team reckons will be manageable at the high-speed Ardennes track.

• Mercedes drivers set to receive Spec-3 engine for Spa

Strategically, the change will also nicely set up Renault for next week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza's equally fast sweeping circuit.

It's uncertain if Renault's Spec-C upgrade will extend to customer team McLaren.

If so, Carlos Sainz is likely to be the recipient of the new engine, but its usage would also entail a grid drop for the Spaniard.

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