Hülkenberg changes engine and will be penalized on the grid

After a tricky first day of testing yesterday in Austria, with a trip over a curb having significantly damaged his R.S.19, Nico Hulkenberg will suffer a new setback before starting today's sessions on the Red Bull Ring, with an engine change on the car from the German.

The old pilot Williams will thus use its fifth thermal engine of the year, automatically resulting in a penalty of five places on the grid. Hülkenberg will, however, be able to benefit from the B evolution of the French V6.

NEWS: Nico will take the new Spec B ICE today. This will result in a five place grid penalty as it’s the fifth element used so far this year. #RSspirit #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/L4Ikgw7DaE

- Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) June 29, 2019

Friday had been a difficult day in the Renault clan, with Daniel Ricciardo 8th and 17th of the sessions, when Nico Hülkenberg only finished 14th and 16th. “We just haven't found the right balance. “Hülk” admitted.

This route is old-fashioned, very technical. I think it was my fault, I entered too fast, exited too wide in the corner. I know that vibrators cause damage at high speeds. These are the limits of the track, and we know we have to stay within these limits.

I made a mistake, I'm paying the price. The damage caused by these vibrators may be too extreme. But there probably won't be anything to do this weekend. »