WSB: Red Bull Honda confirm Magneti Marelli switch for Aragon

Leon Camier’s Red Bull Honda team will race their new Magneti Marelli electronics system for the first time at Aragon this weekend.

The Ten Kate run squad had hoped to introduce the new system, which replaces the Cosworth unit they have used in recent years, for the start of the year, but a parts shortage meant they were unable to fully test the package before the start of the season.

Camier had his first run out with the Marelli in Monteblanco in March and was joined recently in a further test at Assen by team-mate Jake Gagne. The squad had remained tight-lipped on when they would switch to the system but a statement ahead of this weekend’s third round confirms they will run it in Spain and for the rest of the season.

“We have introduced a new Magneti Marelli electronics system which we will race in Aragon for the first time and will run for rest of the season, as our strong development programme for 2018 continues,” confirmed team manager Kervin Bos. “Aragon is the first of two back-to-back races and everyone in the team is motivated to go racing again and show what we can do.”

After a disastrous 2017 season, the Red Bull Honda squad has shown significant improvements this year with Camier running towards the front in both of the opening rounds, scoring a best result of fourth place in Thailand three weeks ago.

Adopting a new electronics system mid-season is always a risk, but the decision won’t have been taken lightly by the Honda squad as they seek the long-term gains and hope to return to the sharp-end on a regular basis.