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Honda MGU-K fix avoids Stoffel Vandoorne grid drop in Singapore

Honda is not planning any Formula 1 engine components changes on Stoffel Vandoorne's car that will incur a penalty for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

Vandoorne had a grid penalty in Italy after Honda found a problem with the MGU-K shaft.

It did not have enough time to change it so instead fitted a new engine.

He was then forced out of the race when the problem occurred again, despite the part being very low-mileage.

McLaren was uncertain if Vandoorne would take further penalties in Singapore, a grand prix it feels offers its best remaining chance of points this season.

Honda has confirmed the MGU-K shaft has been changed but there have been no component tweaks that would trigger a penalty.

Vandoorne is on his seventh internal combustion engine and MGU-K, 10th turbocharger and MGU-H and sixth energy store and control electronics.

Should Honda take fresh elements of any of those components for Vandoorne this weekend, he will be given penalties.

His team-mate Fernando Alonso took a series of tactical grid penalties for engine component changes in Italy to ensure he would be penalty free for Singapore.

Honda is continuing with its aggressive development plan, with further improvements expected later in the season to bolster the update introduced at Monza.

Zdroj: autosport.com