Water leak forces Bottas to run older-spec engine

©WRI2

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Valtteri Bottas is forced to sit out the early part of FP3 as Mercedes scramble to prep his W08 for the hour-long session.

Mercedes brought an updated power unit to Barcelona, with improved reliability but Bottas has now reverted to the previous engine after a water leak was discovered this morning on his new unit.

Last night however, Mercedes had discovered an electrical issue with the Finn's new unit, forcing the team to use up the first of its curfew jokers.

It was while putting the engine back together that the water leak was detected. Mercedes then decided to re-fit the power unit which Bottas had used in the first four races of the season.

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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.