Fernando Alonso looks likely to change his engine for the British Grand Prix this weekend after Honda confirmed that it sustained some damage during the Austrian GP last time out.
Alonso took on a new engine in Spielberg, meaning he started 19th with only team-mate Jenson Button behind him. On the opening lap he was collected by Kimi Raikkonen and ended up parked atop the Ferrari.
According to Honda’s chief motorsport officer, Yasuhisa Arai, the engine in the #14 McLaren likely sustained enough damage to warrant another replacement at the British GP this weekend.
However Alonso might avoid a grid penalty, with the team confirming he will revert back to an old engine, rather than take on a new unit – what would be his sixth.
“In Spielberg, Fernando was involved in an accident on the first lap of the race, and Jenson had a sensor failure issue,” he said of their race.
“As a result, both cars were forced to retire. We have since completed thorough checks of both power units back at the factory, and we believe that Fernando’s power unit has sustained damage from the accident, and it may be necessary to change the engine.
“As for Jenson’s power unit this weekend, the issue is still under investigation.”
Meanwhile Honda also confirmed they won’t be bringing any upgrades, be that for reliability or performance, to the race.
“Honda is not looking to put any hardware updates in place for the British GP, but we will optimise the power unit setting to the updated aero parts planned on the chassis.”
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