Honda introduces upgrades F1 engine parts for Bahrain Grand Prix
Both Toro Rosso drivers will use updated Honda turbocharger and MGU-H components in the Bahrain Grand Prix after Pierre Gasly's engine failure in the Formula 1 season opener

Toro Rosso's partnership with Honda began well with strong reliability in testing but its competitive debut in the Australian Grand Prix was hit by an early engine-induced retirement.
Toyoharu Tanabe, technical director of Honda's F1 project, explained that the internal combustion engine on Gasly's car was damaged by a problem with the turbo and MGU-H.
Honda has modified the turbo and MGU-H ahead of this week's race in Bahrain to avoid a repeat, and will fit those parts to Gasly's car and his team-mate Brendon Hartley's as a precaution.
Gasly also needs a new combustion engine after the damage incurred in Australia.
This season F1 drivers are limited to no more than three combustion engine, MGU-H and turbo components and will incur a grid penalty for using any more fresh elements.
That means if Honda cannot salvage the previous components, Gasly only has one more free change of those parts over the remaining 20 grand prix weekends
Hartley is in the same position if he needs to replace the MGU-H and turbo, but still has the combustion engine used in Australia.
"Replacing components for the second race is obviously a difficult decision and not ideal, given that the number of power units and ancillary components is now limited to just three per season," said Tanabe.
"However, we believe this is the right way forward and we will continue our development in order to ensure the same issue does not reoccur.
"Although Sakhir is a tough track for the power unit, we hope to move on from this difficult moment, as we focus on this race and those that follow."
Neither driver's engine requires a change of energy store, control electronics or MGU-K, so both can still change each of those components once without triggering a grid drop.

Previous article
Ferrari FIA signing knows 'key details' of all current F1 cars
Next article
Brawn's warning to himself on F1's new rules

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | Honda Racing F1 Team |
Author | Scott Mitchell |
Honda introduces upgrades F1 engine parts for Bahrain Grand Prix
Trending
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001