21/11/2014
NEWS STORY
Romain Grosjean faces a 20-place grid penalty after his team opted to change a number of power unit elements on his car.
A Technical Delegate's report issued this morning revealed that "the internal combustion engine used by Romain Grosjean is the sixth new internal combustion engine for the 2014 Championship season and as this is not in conformity with Article 28.4a of the 2014 Formula One Sporting Regulations.
"I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration. The team informed the technical delegate about the ICE change on Thursday, 20th November 2014, at 11:02 hours.”
And so followed further, similar, warnings in terms of the Turbocharger, Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) and Control Electronics PSU (CE PSU).
With a five-place penalty for each component the Frenchman faces a total drop of twenty spots.
However, that's not all, should he not qualify high enough up the grid to absorb the full penalty - which is highly unlikely given that his average qualifying position is 15th - he faces drive-through or even stop and go penalties depending on where he qualifies.
The Frenchman finished today's second session - having missed the first having handed his car over to Esteban Ocon - in 17th. A similar result on Saturday evening would see the Frenchman start from the back of the grid and also serve a drive-through.
Check out our Friday gallery, here.