Double engine change for Williams

On inspecting Nick Heidfeld's engine on Thursday, which was supposed to do its second Grand Prix this weekend in Spain, the BMW technicians discovered a defective exhaust valve. The fresh BMW P84/5 engine, which was scheduled to be installed in Mark Webber's car for this weekend, is of the same specification.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen, explains: "The faulty exhaust valve could cause retirement in the race so we have therefore decided not to take that risk. At present, two engines of a new specification are being assembled in Munich. We will bring them to Barcelona and install them in the cars prior to the third free practice on Saturday."

As a consequence, Nick will take on the responsibility for the team's set-up work and tyre evaluation during Friday's free practice sessions. The German is going to be penalised for the unscheduled engine change by loosing places on the grid.

Mark will not take part in Friday's practice sessions. He will start with the fresh engine on Saturday morning therefore avoiding any unscheduled engine change and the resulting penalty

-williams-