Renault to evaluate B-spec engine at post-race Barcelona test

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Renault will introduce and evaluate a B-spec power unit featuring substantial upgrades during the two-day test scheduled for after this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

The French manufacturer, which spent one of its development tokens for Bahrain, is expected to bolt the new unit to the back of its RS16 at the Canadian Grand Prix with the aim of considerably reducing the gap with benchmark power rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.

A series of aerodynamic updates are also set to be tested as soon as the Grand Prix weekend gets underway on Friday morning in Barcelona, notably new front and rear wings, while Jolyon Palmer will also enjoy the use of a new chassis.

Palmer has struggled since the beginning of the season, with the source of his problems traced back to a faulty floor on his RS 16 chassis. The component was replaced before the Russian Grand Prix.

"For the race, we have an updated rear wing as well as some updates for the front wing," said chassis technical director Nick Chester.

"For the test, we have a full raft of things to try; new suspension, further aero updates over various areas of the car, some mods to cooling as well as evaluating the B-spec power unit, so we should have a full two days.

“We fared decently in relative terms at pre-season testing there and when you look at the qualities required for a handy car around the circuit there are no initial fears from our side. That’s not to say we wouldn’t welcome some more downforce, but there’s potential as we currently stand.”

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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.