On the back of a particularly difficult Canadian Grand Prix, which highlighted the power deficit the French car manufacturer is facing, work is now ramping up on exploring where more performance is coming from.

Motorsport.com understands that, with reliability issues having been solved thanks to a new piston design, it is to begin evaluation of some new concepts that could help deliver missing power.

Long term solutions

Renault still has 12 of its engine tokens available to bring a late-season performance boost – with the Belgian Grand Prix in August singled out as the likely venue for a change.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner is well aware that finding a turnaround in engine performance will not be quick, but is hopeful that the dyno test of ideas will deliver some good news.

“The frustrating thing with the power unit is the lead times are just so long,” he said.

“There are some important tests going on over the next two weeks in Viry on the dyno, and they will have a significant impact for next year. Or at least a direction.

“It is a big two weeks behind the scenes at Viry Chatillon.”