Racing Point opt for fresh Phase-2 engine for Perez

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Racing Point has elected to fit a fresh Phase-2 Mercedes power unit to Sergio Perez's car after the Mexican's engine failure in Q2 rather than opt for an updated unit.

Perez was left stranded on the side of the track in the second segment of qualifying, the victim of a terminal engine issue.

In order to avoid a pitlane start for this afternoon's race, which a switch to a new Phase 3 engine would have required, Perez will remain with the same-spec unit and take a grid drop.

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"Start maybe 19th," said Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer.

"I think we will start ahead of Verstappen as he has taken a new powertrain and we outqualified him. So we will start 19th and see how we go."

In Belgium last week, Perez suffered a brand-new Phase-3 engine failure and had reverted to an older Spec 2 unit for the remainder of the race weekend and Monza.

Strategically, Szafnauer sees a benefit for now in keeping a second Phase 3 engine out of Perez's pool of units.

"If we ever go to the Phase 3 then it is a trade off between more performance and penalties," added Szafnauer.

"But say, heaven forbid, one time we spin off in Q1 or something fails in Q1 and you are last anyway, then you can introduce the Phase 3."

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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.