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Formula 1 Singapore GP
Ferrari considers engine change for Vettel
Ferrari is considering fitting a fresh engine to Sebastian Vettel's car following the suspension problems that left him at the back of the grid for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Sep 17, 2016, 7:58 PM
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A broken right-rear suspension link left Vettel unable to set a competitive time in Q1, and he will line up 22nd at the Marina Bay circuit tomorrow.
The back of the grid start does mean that the German can effectively take a penalty-free engine change if new power unit components are fitted.
Vettel is already on his final internal combustion engine, turbo charger and MGU-H, so having extra components added to his pool would help him – as well as avoid the risk of having a more-costly penalty later in the campaign.
"It is one of the things that we are having a look at now to try to understand what makes most sense," said Vettel.
"I think so far we have done a mega job not having to pull another power unit. Obviously I would prefer it that way, and being higher up on the grid, but now it is something for sure we are looking into to see whether it does make sense for us or not. You will know later today."
Team approach right
Vettel said the suspension issue only came to light on his out lap in qualifying, and at that stage it would have been no benefit to return to the pits immediately for repairs as there would not have been enough time to get back out.
That is why he attempted to complete a lap, even though only three wheels were touching the ground on occasions.
"As soon as I started pushing I noticed it, but it was impossible to repair in the session," he said.
"It is a rare failure but it is what it is. It is not bad luck. There is a reason it broke, and fortunately it only broke on one car and not two.
"For sure it is something we need to understand and learn going forward. These things happen, and it is not bad luck. It wasn't meant to be, but we can fix it for tomorrow and have a good race."
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