Toro Rosso drivers Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley are set for engine-related grid penalties at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Honda introduced its Spec 3 power unit in Russia and ran the updated engine on both cars at its home event in Japan, with Gasly and Hartley making it through to Q3.
Toro Rosso was braced for more sanctions across the remaining Grands Prix due to the respective engine allocation having already been exceeded, with Honda maximising development ahead of taking on Red Bull as a partner in 2019.
Honda confirmed on Friday that new units have been required, meaning Gasly and Hartley are set to start from the rear of the grid.
“On both cars, the new units will feature minor modifications to the specification when compared to that used in the Japanese Grand Prix,” said Honda chief Toyoharu Tanabe.
“After examining the power units used in Suzuka, we had some concerns and so we have decided to make these changes, which we believe is the best strategy for Toro Rosso for the remaining races.”
The new power unit has already been fitted to Gasly’s car, while Brendon Hartley’s STR13 – being driven by Sean Gelael in FP1 – will take on a new unit on Friday night.
Toro Rosso holds eighth in this year’s Constructors’ Championship though is under pressure from Sauber, which is just three points adrift.
It is set to enter 2019 with an all new driver line-up, with Daniil Kvyat returning for a third stint and Formula 2 frontrunner Alexander Albon poised to join.
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