Coulthard to use same engine for third race
In accordance with the FIA's mandatory one-engine per two weekends rule, the same 2.4 liter unit was fitted to the Scottish driver's Red Bull car at both Silverstone and Hockenheim.
But Renault, the energy drink-owned team's engine supplier, revealed on Monday that they will not be taking the opportunity to fit a fresh engine to Coulthard's car on Saturday ahead of qualifying at the Hungaroring circuit.
On the other hand, the occupant of the sister RB4, Mark Webber, will receive a new Renault engine at Budapest, after retiring from the recent German grand prix with an oil leak.
"This is the first time we have taken this decision," Renault's Fabrice Lom, who is in charge of Red Bull's engine supply, said, referring to Coulthard's situation.
He said he is not worried about reliability. "First of all his V8 has not done too much running," explained Lom, referring to Coulthard's first-lap retirement at Silverstone three weeks ago.
"Plus, having our two drivers out of synch on the engine cycle means that we won't be putting all our eggs in the same basket," he added.
"This decision will also help us in the second half of the season in terms of the logistical challenge. And finally, it means that David will not have to use the same engine in Spa and Monza, which are two of the toughest challenges on the calendar," said Lom.