Engine change puts Vandoorne grid penalty tally at 65!

©McLaren

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While practically it won't make much of a difference, Stoffel Vandoorne just saw his grid-penalty tally practically double overnight.

McLaren decided late yesterday to change the Belgian driver's gearbox, a move which added 5-place penalty to his 35 number which came about as a result of Vandoorne running Honda's latest spec-3.6 power unit.

But that engine has apparently been diagnosed with an issue, leading Honda to undertake an engine change overnight.

It doesn't affect my motivation," said Vandoorne.

"It's maybe a shame that it happens in Spa, but it is the way it is. The penalties were inevitable considering all the failures we've had in the beginning of the season.

Welcome home Stoffel, here's a 35-place grid penalty!

"It was always going to be like this. We need to think about the future. Hopefully it will help in other Grands Prix."

Vandoorne believes however that his home track isn't the worst venue when it comes to starting at the back of the grid.

"It is definitely a mixed feeling. But the track itself compensates for all that.

"And who knows - conditions can change here from one moment to the other and then you could have a totally new ball game. I will try to be the best daredevil possible!"

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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.