Alonso set for new power unit in Bahrain

Honda F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa confirmed no parts were salvageable from the wreck, meaning the former world champion will move onto the second of five available engines in the Middle East.

Published : Mar 29, 2016 21:52 IST

Fernando Alonso's McLaren following a crash at the Australian Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso's McLaren following a crash at the Australian Grand Prix
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Fernando Alonso's McLaren following a crash at the Australian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso will have the power unit in his McLaren replaced for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend following his crash in Australia.

Alonso was sent into the wall when attempting to overtake Esteban Gutierrez's Haas on lap 17 in Formula One's season-opening grand prix in Melbourne, his car rolling across the gravel trap before the Spaniard emerged without injury

Honda F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa confirmed no parts were salvageable from the wreck, meaning the former world champion will move onto the second of five available engines in the Middle East.

"We have recovered the power unit from Fernando's car used in Melbourne," said Hasegawa.

"After initial investigations we are massively disappointed the ICE [internal combustion engine], and most of the surrounding parts, have been heavily damaged as the impact from the accident was just too great.

"We will be replacing the complete power unit in Bahrain."

Alonso is eager to get back behind the wheel and familiarise himself with the new chassis by getting in as many laps during practice as possible.

"In testing and in Melbourne we had good reliability, which proves how hard the team has worked to make our package stronger," said the Spaniard

"There's also been a massive effort from the teams in Woking and Sakura, who have been flat-out manufacturing parts for this race to ensure we can get back up to speed after the chassis was damaged.

"We're still pushing to bring upgrades to each race, so providing we can get everything to the car in time, we'll be aiming to get as much track time as possible with the new chassis from the start of free practice."

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