The Mercedes pair were first to emerge for qualifying simulations and Rosberg quickly set a new fastest lap while Hamilton locked up and ran through turn seven into the exit road for the second time in 15 minutes. Renault works duo Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer will also be running it.
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A large lizard lumbering across the track startled Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and livened up final practice for the Singapore Formula One grand prix on Saturday.
Although the engines of Ricciardo, Magnussen and Palmer have previously been used, the modifications to the power unit – believed to revolve around ignition and spark plugs to optimise a new fuel – can be fitted without the need for a complete replacement unit.
The token spend leaves Renault with 18 tokens as it has taken a cautious approach to development this season, choosing not to rush through upgrades without thoroughly testing them, which seems to have worked as the engine is now closer in performance to its rivals.
“We have the same stuff on both drivers”, he said, following suggestions he would be the only driver racing with the upgrade.
“This weekend it was the plan to introduce a new engine for Max, so he is the one enjoying the improvement of the engine through the utilisation of three tokens”.
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Verstappen had to wait an extra race for a previous Renault upgrade when Ricciardo was given first call on it for Monaco four months ago.
