Tarquini gets new engine for Brno

The 2009 world champion had been expected to use the unit last time out at the Hungaroring, until the SUNRED squad opted to delay the switches of both his own car and that of Tiago Monteiro.

But after fellow SUNRED drivers Fredy Barth, Pepe Oriola and Michel Nykjaer used the new engines in Hungary, the team's two star drivers have now made the switch from the 2-litre turbodiesels they had been using previously.

"The TDI has no margin left for improvements, while the 1.6T has a good potential and can improve a lot," said Tarquini. "Torque and power are there, but we have to work on drivability, therefore I would be very happy to achieve in Brno the same results we could achieve with the TDi: top ten in qualifying and top five in the races."

The Polestar Volvo squad, which has used a 2-litre, normally-aspirated petrol engine to power Robert Dahlgren's C30 so far this year, will also debut its 1.6 turbo this weekend, but will be saddled with a 40kg mandatory weight increase under the success ballast rules.

"I am absolutely thrilled. The engine is still in its early development, but the potential seems very good," said Dahlgren.

"We don't know yet about its reliability and now my car is much heavier than in Hungary, which will make a big difference. But this track should suit the car's chassis and my driving style, so I am confident."