Renault Had Changed F1 Engine Prior to Bahrain

French manufacturer Renault denied that it has been permitted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make changes to their engines for the 2010 season of Formula One. In fact, according to a Renault source, it seems their units for the ongoing F1 campaign have already been changed/adjusted prior to the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Earlier this month, it had emerged that both Red Bull Racing and Renault were asking the FIA to let the French manufacturer update their powerplants in order to match the powerful units built by Mercedes-Benz. Red Bull's Christian Horner even conditioned this permission with the potentiality of another engine manufacturer (Renault) leaving the series unless they'll get an equal shot at the title.

Last week, it has emerged that the ruling body permitted Renault to operate some changes to their engines, but only for “cost and reliability reasons.” In other words, the French were not allowed to improve their powerplants' power or fuel efficiency, as their list of changes forwarded to the FIA was only partially agreed upon.

The Renault source now made it very clear that the news about the FIA allowing the French manufacturer to change their powerplants is not new at all, as the Enstone facility has been informed of this measure before the winter tests. Consequently, the changes have already been implemented in the new structure of the units.

“Moreover, the changes were all in accordance with the rules allowing modifications on grounds of cost reduction and reliability, and the source said "every engine manufacturer" is in dialogue with the FIA on the same basis,” said a report from the GMM news agency.