Power unit problems rule Alonso out of FP1

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Fernando Alonso completed just three laps in FP1 for the Belgian Grand Prix as power unit problems prevented any further running.

Honda has brought a major power unit update to the race at Spa-Francorchamps, with the Japanese engine manufacturer spending seven development tokens on internal combustion engine, turbo and compressor upgrades.

Both drivers have the new power unit, but Alonso carried out just three laps at the start of FP1 before his running was ended by a water leak. McLaren investigated the issue and ruled Alonso out of the rest of the session as it decided a power unit change is needed.

The two McLaren drivers are already on their fifth power unit components of the season as a result of the Spa upgrade, meaning any new parts that are required could carry a grid penalty.

Button completed fewer than 20 laps in the other McLaren, finishing FP1 down in 18th place some four seconds slower than Nico Rosberg's best time in the Mercedes. Button only used the soft compound, compared to Rosberg's lap being set on the supersofts.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.