Alonso to start from back after more Honda engine component changes
Thursday 3 August 2017 20:53, UK
McLaren's Fernando Alonso is set to start the British GP on the back row after receiving a 30-place grid penalty for engine component changes.
A new Honda 'Spec Three' power unit has been installed in the Spaniard's MCL32 following Friday practice at Silverstone, taking him further over the limit for engine parts used this season.
Alonso was already facing a five-place grid penalty after having a fifth energy store installed ahead of Friday's running.
But the further changes mean he is now onto his eighth MGU-H and turbocharger and sixth internal combustion engine and MGU-K - adding a further 25 places to his demotion
Each car is only allowed four of each component through the season before facing a penalty.
All the TV times and ways to watch this weekend's race live on Sky F1.
Two-time world champion Alonso had showed encouraging pace on Friday, finishing in the top 10 in both practice sessions.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday, Alonso said he was still hoping for a points finish despite the impending penalty.
"It's a home grand prix for the team. It's a place where we want to put a good result on Sunday," he said.
"We will try to push hard, be in the points and put on a good show. Whatever the result at the end, it is a race where we enjoy attacking and racing so Silverstone is a perfect place."
McLaren had been expected to struggle this weekend due to the high-speed, power-hungry nature of the Silverstone track, but both cars were in the top 10 in Practice One before Alonso was ninth in Practice Two.
The MCL32 should be better suited for the Hungaroring and therefore the team wanted to avoid penalties in order to be more competitive at the Hungarian GP, which runs from July 28-30.
It is the second time this season that Alonso has received a grid penalty for exceeding engine limits, while Jenson Button was on the receiving end of a penalty when filling in for the Spaniard at the Monaco GP in May.
At last month's Azerbaijan GP, Alonso received a 40-place grid penalty after a raft of engine component changes, although he finished ninth in the chaotic race to secure McLaren-Honda their only points of the season so far.
In Monaco, Button received a 15-place grid penalty after a fifth MGU-H and turbocharger were introduced on Alonso's car.
Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
