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Toro Rosso braced for engine penalties as Honda prepare for Red Bull

Toro Rosso braced for engine penalties as Honda prepare for Red Bull

17-07-2018 17:52
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Jake Williams-Smith

Toro Rosso look set to take on a flurry of engine penalties between now and the end of the season, possibly starting at Hockenheim. With Red Bull taking on Honda power next season, the junior outfit could be left at the back as Honda power on through the development of their power unit.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport earlier in the week, Dr Helmut Marko revealed that although the decision remains with Honda as to whether they develop the power unit aggressively or not, the opportunity was definitely something to think about.

"Of course we leave the decision to Honda.

"But if they find a tenth with the development, of course, they can try the upgrade in the race. Even if that means we're taking penalties for it."

The Toro Rosso pair of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley have struggled since their early season flurry of strong results and decent points hauls, failing to score since the Monaco Grand Prix in which Gasly finished the race in sixth position.

Hartley has had more than his fair share of bad luck, a heavy crash in practice after a suspension failure meant that his hopes for the British Grand Prix were written off his chances before qualifying had even taken place, and wasn't able to start the grand prix after Honda found issues with his power unit.

Technical director at Honda told Autosport that the development plan would continue despite engine penalties that they would incur.

"I hope we will have some update and improvement within this season.

"While fixing the car we had an issue with the installation on the power unit side that caused an improper function.

"We saw unusual data on the power unit side and we retired. I think the components are okay, we will check carefully for any damage."