Button takes 35-place grid penalty for new power unit

© XPB 

Jenson Button will start from the back of the grid in the Japanese Grand Prix after taking a new power unit ahead of the race.

Honda had introduced an upgraded power unit on Fernando Alonso's car - featuring an update to the engine block and exhaust - in Malaysia last weekend, which Button was having to wait until the United States Grand Prix to receive in order to avoid a grid penalty at Honda's home race at Suzuka.

However, with Button qualifying 17th during a disappointing qualifying session on Saturday - two places behind Alonso - McLaren has decided the penalty carries a small impact and Honda has upgraded Button's power unit in order to have it available for the rest of the season.

Button takes a complete new power unit - comprising internal combustion engine (ICE), MGU-H, MGU-K, turbo, energy store and control electronics - which is the sixth of each component. The first component carries a ten-place grid penalty, and each subsequent component carries a five-place grid penalty, resulting in 35-places in total.

The penalty means Button will now start from the back of the grid, with Kevin Magnussen, Marcus Ericsson, Felipe Nasr, Esteban Ocon and Pascal Wehrlein all gaining one position.

QUALIFYING REPORT: Rosberg snatches dramatic pole by 0.013s at Suzuka 

FEATURE: Silbermann says... Snapchat and soap in Suzuka

Chris Medland's 2016 Japanese Grand Prix preview

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter