Gasly moves to the back of the grid following PU changes

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Red Bull will own the last row of the German Grand Prix grid this afternoon following the demotion of Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly after Honda opted for a strategic power unit change.

The French driver had qualified P17 for Sunday's race, so he will only suffer a three-spot set-back and will line up alongside Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo.

The Japanese manufacturer's decision to change the majority of Gasly's PU elements was taken to boost its pool of engine components before Hungary and F1's summer break.

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"Prior to today’s race, for tactical reasons, we are changing all PU elements with the exception of battery-related components on Pierre’s car," said Honda.

Indeed, the FIA confirmed the changes this morning, with Gasly taking on his fifth ICE, turbocharger and MGU-H, fourth MGU-K, and third energy store and control electrics.

In fact, FIA documents confirm that Toro Rosso has changed all six elements, so Gasly has a new V6, turbo, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store and control electronics.

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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.