Vandoorne hit with grid penalty... already!

©McLaren

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McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne kicks off his US Grand Prix race week with a five-spot grid penalty following an ICE change.

High mileage on the Belgian's Internal Combustion Engine has forced the change by Honda, which is Vandoorne's eighth this season.

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Honda was hopeful of a good performance at the Circuit of the Americas, a layout where the Japanese manufacturer did not feel its power unit was at a specific disadvantage.

No other components on Vandoorne's unit are scheduled for change.

As for Fernando Alonso, he will be using the engine which was raced in Japan two weeks ago.

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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.