Renault engine upgrade delayed due to reliability

Renault is trying to validate the reliability of its new MGU-K and there is no set date to introduce the key engine component.

The French manufacturer's engine uses an MGU-K produced in association with Italian company Magneti Marelli, with a bespoke Renault Sport design supposed to be introduced at the start of last season, but it has been postponed because of reliability problems.

"It's clear we have to work on the weight and this is one solution," Renault Sport engine technical director Remi Taffin said.

"That's why we did not rush into running that solution. There is no clear target of when. I would more say when it's ready we will get into it.

"It's reliability, it's being able to get that MGU-K running for what we need to run through."

Renault's new MGU-K was ran during testing last year, so the component works, but it is missing what Taffin calls "the last bit of proving the item".