Magnussen apologises for Spanish GP collision with team-mate Palmer

Magnussen was on fresher tyres, after a late change to softs, and quickly caught Palmer in 13th who was at the end of a long stint on hards.

The Dane dived down the inside at the final chicane and the two cars collided, with Magnussen handed a post-race time penalty by the stewards.

"We had contact, it was my fault," said Magnussen. "To be honest, I was four or five seconds per lap quicker.

"I was surprised how fast I was catching him. Then I thought I'd try.

"I had so much more pace and when I got past him, he hadn't seen me coming.

"It was a bit unnecessary because there were no points at stake. Sometimes you get a bit excited."

"I apologised. It was unnecessary. If I had gained a point, fair enough."

NEW ENGINE 'MORE DRIVABLE'

Renault continued work on its new specification of power unit on day two of the in-season test in Barcelona and Magnussen echoed Daniel Ricciardo's positive feedback.

"The engine feels nice to drive and the drivability is actually better than with the old engine," he said.

"There's more power, but from the driving point of view it's difficult to feel how fast you're going on the straight.

"The main thing is the power unit is drivable so that we can continue just working as normal.

"This power unit is actually better than the old one and we haven't had that much time to work on it.

"Straight away out of the box it was better drivability so hopefully the power is a good step as well."

Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul said at the weekend there was only "a very slim chance" the engine would race in Monaco, with Canada more likely.

When asked if he would be happy to have it in the back of the car in Monaco, Magnussen said: "Yeah definitely.

"Whether we get it or not, I'd like to have it but I'm not deciding it."