Hulkenberg set for five-place grid penalty in Austria

Nico Hulkenberg will drop five places on the grid in Austria after taking Renault's upgraded engine ahead of qualifying.

Renault introduced its upgraded engine at the last race in France, with Daniel Ricciardo taking it at the earliest opportunity.

The team opted to delay the introduction for Hulkenberg knowing it would trigger a grid penalty as he had already hit his season limit for parts, but will now give the German the new parts in Austria.

Renault confirmed the change on Saturday ahead of FP3, with a five-place grid penalty set to be confirmed by the FIA later today.

NEWS : Nico will take the new Spec B ICE today. This will result in a five place grid penalty as it’s the fifth element used so far this year. #RSspirit #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/L4Ikgw7DaE

— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) June 29, 2019