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Honda confirm Albon will use upgrade in Austria

Honda confirm Albon will use upgrade in Austria

26-06-2019 10:18 Last update: 11:14
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Bobby Vincent

Honda Racing technical director Toyoharu Tanabe has confirmed Alexander Albon will have the Japanese manufacturer's latest engine upgrade this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix.

This weekend, the teams head to Austria and to the Red Bull Ring - which is the home of Red Bull. Tanabe has described the home race as being "another reason" to want to do well.

"This is a big weekend for both our teams, at the home of Red Bull," Tanabe explained. "It's another reason to want to do well here. Located in scenic countryside, at 4.3 kilometres, it is a relatively short track, but it still presents plenty of interesting challenges for drivers and engineers.

"It has many uphill and downhill sections and with its altitude of 700 metres above sea level, we need to keep our eye on the affect this has on the turbine and also on cooling."

Last weekend in France, three out of the four drivers (Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen) who are powered by Honda were handed the latest spec power unit.

However, Albon was kept on the same PU, but this weekend he will take the latest update to his Honda engine and subsequently take grid penalties.

"This week, all four of our drivers, including Alex, will have the latest specification PU which means he has to take grid penalties," Tanabe continued. "Once again, very hot conditions are forecast for this weekend too, so we must keep that factor in mind during our preparation and refer to data we have acquired in France."