Renault broke Formula 1’s overnight curfew at the British Grand Prix in order to prepare a new chassis for Daniel Ricciardo, after detecting a fault with his original specification.
A note from the stewards confirmed that Renault mechanics had been in the Silverstone paddock between the hours of 00:00 and 08:00 on Saturday, when the curfew is in operation.
Renault outlined that a hairline fracture was found on the original chassis after second practice and that Ricciardo will use a new chassis for the remainder of the weekend.
It is one of two curfew breakages permitted by Renault this year.
Renault trialled upgrades components during Friday practice, with Esteban Ocon running a new bargeboard and floor in FP1, before Ricciardo trialled the parts in FP2.
The duo finished seventh and eighth respectively at the conclusion of Friday’s action.
“It’s always a fun track to drive, so I enjoyed taking on some of the high-speed stuff this place offers,” said Ricciardo, whose long-run programme was compromised by a cut in a tyre.
“In terms of our running, we showed some promising signs but, on my side, we lacked a bit of consistency in the car.
“On some runs, I felt happier than others, so we have some work to do there.”
