Mercedes have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton's failed Chinese Grand Prix engine didn't sustain serious damage and can be used again, it will therefore be put aside as a spare engine for the remainder of the season.
The Briton was forced to start the Chinese race from the back of the grid after his engine failed during the first stage of qualifying and there were fears his season would be further compromised if the power unit was a complete loss.
However following thorough analysis back at Mercedes' Brixworth facility, the team believe they have found the cause of the power loss and don't believe it has caused the engine any lasting damage.
"The power unit in question arrived back at Brixworth in the early hours of Thursday morning of the week following the race and investigation into the failure has been on-going every minute since its return to the factory," the team confirmed in a statement.
"The MGU-H has been stripped and the issue is suspected to be associated with the insulation. The turbocharger will be replaced in addition to the oil pumps, after debris was found in the oil system. With the repairs completed, this power unit will remain in the driver pool and travel to Sochi as a spare."
Hamilton meanwhile isn't getting downbeat about the growing gap to team-mate Nico Rosberg, whose three victories have put him 36-points ahead of Hamilton in the standings.
"There was plenty going through my head after China, as you’d expect," said Hamilton. "But, after all these years, experience has taught me to stay calm and keep pushing forwards when I get knocked back.
"I’ve been here before a few times now. A lot can happen over the next eighteen race weekends and I have the utmost confidence in this team.
"But adversity is part of the journey: it brings us closer, makes us stronger and I know that together we’ll bounce back, so I’m confident of better weekends to come.
"There are lots of positives to carry into the next battle. If nothing else, I know after these first few races that I can still overtake!"
