Ferrari brings forward Spec 2 engine update for Spain

Will the Ferrari upgrades be enough to beat the Mercedes upgrades, or will Aldo Costa out-engineer Mattia Binotto once again?

Ferrari has confirmed that it will introduce a new power unit for this weekend's Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, two races ahead of schedule.

The Italian outfit has lagged behind Mercedes in terms of results despite a strong showing in pre-season testing, forcing the team to ramp up development and bring its Spec 2 engine to Barcelona, along with other upgrades.

"It’s time for the Spanish GP, traditionally a race where most of the teams bring some updates, therefore we can expect to see a step up in performance from our competitors," said team boss Mattia Binotto.

"We are currently behind in the championship and we have to catch up, which we know means that our development work will be the key to this season. Having brought a new aerodynamic package to Baku, we will also bring some developments in this area to Barcelona.

"On top of that, we will have a new power unit that we are introducing ahead of schedule, as the second specification was due to be brought to Canada."

The team will also introduce a new lubricant courtesy of supplier Shell as part of the power unit upgrade.

"Shell, in close collaboration with our team, has developed a different formulation of race lubricant that will also be introduced with the new power unit, delivering increased performance.

"It’s only down to a big team effort with everyone pushing hard to make up ground that we have been able to bring these developments forward."

Ferrari trails Mercedes by 74 points in the Constructors' Championship.