Gearbox failure leads to grid penalty for Leclerc

©WRI

The clunking sound of Charles Leclerc's Sauber as he pulled off to the side of the track Saturday morning was ominous, and the Swiss outfit has confirmed its driver's car will need a gearbox change.

The failure occurred after Leclerc had just left the pitlane in the final stages of free practice. As the component had not reached its required six consecutive-race limit, the issue will mean a five-spot demotion for the Monegasque on Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix grid.

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The Sauber crew was hard an hour before qualifying at work to replace the gearbox in time for the all-important afternoon session.

Team boss Fred Vasseur was confident however that Leclerc's C37 would be up and running in time for the start of quali.

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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.