Horner provides clarity: "Honda don't intend to use fourth engine"

Christian Horner hinted on Thursday that Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will try to get through the season without grid penalties. Where it was clear early last year that it would not work out, the cards will be different in 2020.

"We are not planning to use a fourth engine at the moment," Horner told Motorsport.com, among others, during the press talk in Barcelona during the second test day. "The plan is to reach the end with three engines."

For now, there are 21 Grands Prix on the schedule after the Chinese Grand Prix got postponed. "If it eventually became 21 races, it would naturally make our lives a little easier," said Horner despite having a good record in Shanghai.

Alexander Albon recorded the fourth time on Thursday, but the Brit wants to know nothing about conclusions. "It's easy to get carried away by the time lists, especially so early in the test work. I'm sure we will see the necessary shifts before we go to Melbourne," Horner concludes.