Photo: Glenn Dunbar/Williams
ref: Digital Image W89P6218
Valtteri Bottas, who was fastest in both of Friday’s opening practice sessions, is set to be handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s British Grand Prix after an unscheduled gearbox change.
The Finn, who won last Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix after Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton received a five-place penalty for the same offence, will be unable to claim pole position if he is fastest again in qualifying on Saturday.
A team spokesperson confirmed the likely sanction late Friday after a dominant Bottas had excelled during practice at Silverstone.
The race stewards are expected to confirm all grid penalties later Saturday.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso is likely to be confirmed as starting from the back of the grid in his McLaren as the team plan to fit a new engine. – Agence France-Presse
