Alonso goes for Spec-3 at Silverstone but with penalties

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Fernando Alonso will be powered this weekend by Honda's upgraded Spec-3 power unit but will take a grid penalty because of a component change.

The McLaren driver ran the new engine in Austria but was forced to revert to Honda's previous spec after an issue was found on the unit's MGU-H

The installation of fifth energy store on the engine however will lead to a five-place grid penalty with additional demotions unavoidable if Honda makes additional element changes.

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The latter could be seen as tactical however given McLaren-Honda's low prospects on the high-speed power track, leaving the team to approach the more favourable Hungarian GP with less chances of incurring penalties.

The incriminated MGU-H component as been sent back to Japan for analysis but without time in hand to apply a fix given the Austrian and British back-to-back races.

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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.