Honda has fitted Albon's Toro Rosso with new engine

©ToroRosso

As a precautionary measure after his massive crash on Saturday, Honda has fit Alex Albon's Toro Rosso with a new power unit for today's Chinese Grand Prix.

Albon's STR14 was heavily damaged in yesterday's practice session when the Toro Rosso rookie ran wide at the last corner and made heavy impact with the outside tyre wall.

The extent of the damage forced Toro Rosso to discard Albon's original monocoque and build up a new car for Sunday's race, a lengthy process that prevented the British-Thai racer from talking part in qualifying.

China GP: Saturday's action in pictures

Albon will therefore launch his Chinese Grand Prix from last on the grid.

"We are all relieved that Alex is fine after his FP3 crash," said Honda F1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe.

"As a result of the accident, we are changing the power unit and sending the one that was in the car at the time of the crash back to Sakura for a full check.

"At the moment, we do not know the full extent of the possible damage to the various power unit elements."

On Friday, Honda had already undertaken a precautionary power unit change on Daniil Kvyat's car between FP1 and FP2 after the manufacturer had noticed an anomaly in the engine's data.

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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.