Ferrari plays it safe with Raikkonen engine change

40

Ferrari has made a "precautionary" engine change on Kimi Raikkonen's SF71-H after the team was alerted by a puff of smoke emitted by the car in Friday's second free practice session.

Raikkonen was conducting a qualifying simulation when an alarming telemetry reading prompted the team to tell the Finn to immediately switch off his engine, which he did, rolling slowly back into the pitlane.

Vettel explains reasons behind Ferrari's halo wing mirrors

"At one point we had some issues and I was told by the team to stop the car," said Raikkonen.

"We still don’t know what happened, but we’ll figure it out. In the evening we’ll have some work to do. We’ll go through everything and understand."

An initial inspection of the unit failed to reveal a specific issue but as a matter of precaution it was decided to replace the engine on the #7 Ferrari for the remainder of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

Raikkonen will not receive a grid penalty for the change as it is his first power unit switch of the season, with drivers allowed this year a total of three engines for the 21-race schedule.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.