Vandoorne hit with 15-place grid penalty!

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It is not an unexpected consequence but Stoffel Vandoorne still won't be happy with the 15-place grid penalty which comes with another engine failure.

The Belgian squawked 'no power' on the radio in the last half-hour of free practice this morning, with Honda subsequently diagnosing a suspected MGU-E issue.

McLaren 's mechanics are hard at work completing a full engine change, a process faster than just changing the troubled component, to get Vandoorne's MCL32 ready for this afternoon's FP2 session.

The change entails a penalty because it will be the McLaren driver's fifth power unit element replacement

Under current Formula 1 regulations, drivers are permitted to use only four of each of the six power unity elements before grid penalties are imposed.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.