McLaren duo to run more powerful Honda engine at Spa
Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne will run Honda's updated Formula 1 internal combustion engine for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
Honda hopes the update will deliver a small power increase, following successful development at its bases at Sakura and Milton Keynes.
The Japanese manufacturer was able to introduce the new parts without the need to change the ICE component and therefore escapes penalties.
Vandoorne will take a 35-place grid penalty because he had reached the point where Honda had planned to give him a fresh engine.
McLaren-Honda has taken the opportunity to change all six components.
The Belgian will also benefit from a small reliability update, which did require a component change that Honda is no disclosing, with Honda calling it 'spec 3.6'.
In a bid to avoid Alonso getting penalties at Spa, Honda as opted not to give him the same updated component for this race, and he is therefore running 'spec 3.5'.
The Spaniard will get it when he next needs to change that component.
"Both Fernando and Stoffel will be running upgraded power units this weekend," said Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa.
"Unfortunately Stoffel will receive a grid penalty at his home grand prix, but it is important for us to introduce updates as soon as they are ready.
"It is positive that we have been able to introduce this next step forward so quickly, and we will continue to introduce updates throughout the remainder of the season."
Honda is currently embarking on an aggressive development plan, with several update packages planned for the remainder of the season.
It intends to introduce updates as soon as they are ready, but will also introduce them tactically to ensure it avoids penalties at tracks where it is likely to be strong, such as Singapore.
Rowland to test Super Formula car this month
Rowland to test Super Formula car this month Rowland to test Super Formula car this month
Sirotkin, Stroll to have two race engineers each
Sirotkin, Stroll to have two race engineers each Sirotkin, Stroll to have two race engineers each
Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises
Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi GP controversy
Alonso: "Huge relief" Aston Martin could repeat Bahrain pace in Jeddah
Alonso: "Huge relief" Aston Martin could repeat Bahrain pace in Jeddah Alonso: "Huge relief" Aston Martin could repeat Bahrain pace in Jeddah
How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit
Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit
Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge
Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge
Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren
Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage
Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage
Alpine calls for rethink over F1 grid box rules
Alpine calls for rethink over F1 grid box rules Alpine calls for rethink over F1 grid box rules
Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after breaking wrist
Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after breaking wrist Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after breaking wrist
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.