Red Bull impressed with "noticeably better" fourth spec Honda engine

After their first day with the new, fourth spec Honda engine, Red Bull Racing advisor Dr Helmut Marko has stated the new kit is performing "noticeably better" than previous specs, as Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid on Sunday because as it is his fourth engine of the season.

The Bulls' performance on Friday doesn't exactly jump off the page when you look at it, with Verstappen finishing FP2 in P5 and Alexander Albon in P6 behind the Dutchman. 

The gap with Charles Leclerc at the top, however, was just four-tenths on a power-heavy circuit, meaning Honda are certainly making progress when it comes to straight-line speed.

"The spec-4 is doing what it promised to do," Verstappen told Motorsport-Total.

"The set-up we used on the wings is also looking good, so we're very happy in the context of Monza."

The context of Monza Verstappen mentioned is that Red Bull typically struggle at the Temple of Speed. The Bulls tend to struggle for straight-line speed compared to their rivals, and Monza's many straights and few corners tend to lend themselves to more powerful cars.

Helmut Marko said the difference with the third and fourth-spec engine of Honda is "noticeable", though, with Red Bull now staying in Ferrari's vicinity on Friday.

"Ferrari will be far ahead in qualifying, but just like in Spa, I don't think they'll be all that superior in the race itself."