Toro Rosso and Renault row over engine reliability

11/12/17 • 1 min

Toro Rosso have really been struggling over the last few races, suffering power unit problems that have cost them running time and more importantly race finishes. Both drivers are due to have grid penalties again this weekend, and it has sparked a war of words between Toro Rosso and their engine provider Renault.

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul told the media he was concerned about the set up of the engine within the Toro Rosso car, claiming there are "no coincidences in this sport." Incensed, Toro Rosso released a full page statement saying: "The last race in Mexico saw only two cars out of six finish the race, highlighting the poor reliability. We mustn't forget they are fighting with Toro Rosso for a better position in the Constructors' championship."

It was no surprise, therefore, to see Abiteboul having an intense discussion with Red Bull chief Helmut Marko in the Brazil paddock, and it seems both teams are looking closely at their contracts for the final two races of the season.

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Mercedes dominate Friday practice in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas were in a class of their own during Friday practice in Brazil, battling each other for the top spot and leaving the rest of the field in their wake. Hamilton dominated both sessions in the end, but they finished the day just four hundredths of a second apart.

Toro Rosso endured a difficult day, particularly in first practice. Pierre Gasly completed five laps, whilst Brendon Hartley couldn't set a lap time due to an engine issue and only did two installation laps before returning to the garage. In the afternoon, the team got more laps under their belt but knew they'd be taking engine related penalties for qualifying tomorrow.

Meanwhile, GP3 champion George Russell made his F1 debut with Force India in the morning session, and did a respectable job, finishing 12th. Giovinazzi was in the Haas but not until the afternoon, replacing Kevin Magnussen for FP2 and finishing the session last overall.

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Paddock personnel hit by Brazil crime wave

Felipe Massa has talked of his disappointment and sadness that his home country has failed to deliver a safe environment for the F1 paddock to race in, after several high profile incidents for teams leaving the circuit. Lewis Hamilton revealed that part of the Mercedes crew were held up at gunpoint, with shots fired, in an armed robbery, with Williams and FIA officials also in the convoy of cars.

Organisers of the Brazilian Grand Prix made efforts to increase security, but Sauber's Ruth Buscombe shared news of another incident, saying: "Be careful leaving the circuit even with added security. Just got hit by one car trying to make us stop with another ahead."

Massa said: "It is a great sadness, not only for people who came and were there, but also for those who hear this and are Brazilian. In the future, we can change this." Criminal activity has been a problem at the event for many years, with Jenson Button most famously escaping unharmed from an armed attack in 2010. Hamilton said he hoped things would improve because "it's an awesome place."

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