Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Honda has used two Formula 1 development tokens for an upgrade on its internal combustion engine ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, Autosport has learned.

The Japanese manufacturer has introduced the ICE intake system update on both Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso's cars for Silverstone.

The update does not require a change of ICE, but Alonso will take a fresh unit - his fourth of the season - for strategic reasons.

Button will stay on his fourth ICE and have the intake system update applied to that unit.

The update is aimed at improving combustion efficiency and power output, but it is believed Honda is not expecting a dramatic increase in the latter.

This is because when Honda introduced the upgraded turbo in Canada, it used some of the exhaust power to improve the efficiency of the turbo.

That decreased the output of the engine so this update is aimed at trying to recover that.

Honda has now spent 22 tokens, leaving it with 10 remaining. It is planning on further spends in the upcoming races.

TOKEN USE SO FAR

Ferrari 29 (3 remaining)

Honda 22 (10 remaining)

Mercedes 21 (11 remaining)

Renault 11 (21 remaining)