Sainz given new Ferrari chassis due to fuel system issue

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Ferrari has been forced to build up a new chassis for Carlos Sainz after identifying a fuel system issue on the Spaniard's car after Friday's running in Barcelona.

Sainz had clocked in second in FP1 behind Scuderia teammate Charles Leclerc and P4 in FP2.

But a post-session investigation by Ferrari's crews revealed a fuel system issue that required a chassis change.

The Italian outfit reported the switch to FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer who allowed the team to break its curfew to undertake the F1-75 chassis change.

Read also: 'Ferrari has work to do' despite topping Friday times - Leclerc

But Ferrari wasn't the only team whose crews worked overtime on Friday, with McLaren also building up a new chassis for Lando Norris.

The Briton had severely damaged the new updated floor on his MCL36 at the start of Friday's FP2, an incident that curtailed the McLaren driver's session.

While an initial analysis led McLaren to believe that only a repair of the new component would be necessary, a more in-depth investigation decided the team to change Norris' chassis.

The chassis changes do not warrant a sanction from the stewards for either Ferrari or McLaren.

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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.