Australian GP: Ricciardo already forced to use a second Renault engine
Absent from Free Practice 2 due to an engine problem, Daniel Ricciardo will already have to install a second Renault hybrid unit on his Red Bull. Drivers are limited to four power units in 2015.
After just one day of free practice in 2015, Daniel Ricciardo already has to settle for mounting his second engine of the year on his Red Bull RB11. This situation is not ideal given that the 2015 regulations only allow for four different engines over the 20 races on the calendar.
According to Autosport, the Renault V6 turbo hybrid engine that experienced issues in Melbourne might not be repairable and reusable.
“We had some problems this morning, so we couldn’t fix everything for the FP2,” explained the Australian. “Instead of rushing, we needed to fix it properly and be ready for tomorrow. It’s very complex, with the internal combustion engine, but there are things that need to be corrected for tomorrow.”
If he admits his frustration at not being able to drive much, he does not give up: « The whole week has been a sort of preview, we talked a lot about the race but didn’t drive much and today was my chance to do a few more laps. I am increasingly eager to drive. I have ants in my legs so it’s just a bit more frustrating. It helps to have two cars on the track instead of one but we will get up and do what we can. It’s a small setback but I think we can still do things well tomorrow in Free Practice 3. »
Red Bull recorded the 10th and 11th fastest times during FP1. Daniil Kvyat ranked 6th in FP2.
