New MGU-K and qualifying mode on the Renault engine in Spielberg

While Mercedes launched a major chassis upgrade during the Austrian Grand Prix, Renault introduced a revised engine equipped with an improved and lighter MGU-K, but above all equipped with the famous qualifying mode which offers a power gain in Q3.

Published on 29/06/2018 à 11:37

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New MGU-K and qualifying mode on the Renault engine at Spielberg

Like Honda and Ferrari, the Losange had introduced the latest specification of its thermal engine (ICE) in Canada. This advanced propellant, however, did not yet include a new MGU-K. It is now done, even if Red Bull et McLaren decided not to use it because the installation of the element requires adjustments to the integration of the engine into the chassis.

The new version of this electrical system responsible for recovering energy during braking benefits from improved cooling and displays more than 2kg less on the scale. An important detail since it allows in particular the large Nico Hulkenberg to go below the maximum mass limit once installed behind the wheel.

Renault experienced several reliability alerts on its MGU-K this season, notably in Monaco with Daniel Ricciardo and at Castellet on the R.S.18 from Carlos Sainz, which deprived the Spaniard of a good 6th place.

The other major novelty present on the Renault engine at the Red Bull Ring concerns the appearance of a qualifying mode capable of offering additional power estimated between 15 and 20 horsepower in Q3. Enough to satisfy Red Bull drivers who are often quick to criticize the lack of performance of their engine during the last phase of qualifying practice? Response Saturday afternoon.