SPORTS Sunday, November 12, 2017 23 Toro Rosso hits Brazilian GP: Hami back at over failures Sao Paulo Toro Rosso suffers with the cuderia Toro Rosso has power unit are primarily team toSao Paulo start from pitsbarrier at Ferradura during his hit back at Renault’s related, and the way in which ewis Hamilton will start the first flying lap of the session. Ssuggestion that its recent the power unit is operated in from As he did not set a time he reliability problems have the STR12 chassis,” read the theL pits so Mercedes can fit will require permission from been due to how the team statement. fresh parts to his car including the stewards to take part in the operating its power units. “We would like to clarify a new power unit. race but as he demonstrated The Italian team has that all the MGU-H and The world champion competitive pace in practice suffered a string of failures shaft failures Toro Rosso crashed during Q1 and would this is likely to be a formality. in recent races, with both has recently suffered are not have had to start from the rear Hamilton’s team mate and Brendon associated with how the team of the field anyway. took pole Hartley taking grid penalties is operating or with how the Mercedes has confirmed position for the race. Team for Brazil and then hitting power unit is integrated in the change of parts which will executive director further problems right at the the chassis. require them to break the parc paid tribute to him and his start of practice. “Nothing has been changed ferme rules and require him to (file pic) mechanics, some of which F1 boss Cyril or altered in this installation start from the pits. Hamilton were the victims of an armed Abiteboul told Autosport on during the 2017 season, other will take his fifth new engine, Hamilton said he took “full which he was initially at a loss mugging on Friday evening. Friday that “we do have a than cooling improvements MGU-H and turbocharger. responsibility” for the crash, to explain. He spun into a (f1fanatic.co.uk) little bit of a concern about mid-season. the way that our engine is “Since the summer break operated in the Toro Rosso Toro Rosso has suffered car”, before adding that there continuous power unit are “never coincidences in related failures, and the will “almost this sport”. resulting grid penalties has In a statement issued on cost the team points and Saturday morning, Toro relative positions in the Rosso said the problems constructors’ championship.” certainly” test for Williams were nothing to do with the Toro Rosso is ending its London in the test. The team is seeking installation or how the team Renault engine deal early to obert Kubica is very likely a replacement for is operating the engine. take up a Honda supply for to drive for Williams in the alongside , who will “It comes as a big surprise 2018, and has loaned Carlos post-seasonR test at Abu Dhabi, remain with them next year. to the team that Cyril Sainz Jr to the works Renault has said. Kubica is bidding for a return Abiteboul has suggested to team as compensation. The team’s chief technical to since suffering the media that the problems (eurosport) officer told Sky Deutschland severe injuries to his right arm they intend to evaluate Kubica and body in a rally crash in in one of the days of running 2011. He tested privately for at the Renault in Valencia and Paul following the season finale. He Ricard before joining them has already driven for them in a for the public F1 test at the private test at Silverstone. earlier this year. “Almost certainly we will But they later signed Carlos give him one of the tyre test Sainz Jnr. days after Abu Dhabi,” said There are few places left on Lowe. “This is a subject that’s the grid for 2018. The only getting a lot of attention, I teams left to confirm their line- notice, but it’s something we’re ups are Williams, Toro Rosso working on internally so we and Sauber. The Red Bull junior won’t tell anyone what we’re team is expected to keep its Robert Kubica (file pic) doing at this stage.” new drivers Pierre Gasly and make way for 29th is open to all the teams and Lowe did not confirm . Sauber is champion . will be used by Pirelli to finale whether Sauber driver Pascal tipped to retain The two day test at Yas their 2018 tyre specifications. Wehrlein would also take part while dropping Wehrlein to Marina on November 28th and (f1fanatic.co.uk) Red Bull’s drives his car (file pic) Williams to bide their time over Massa replacement Sao Paulo earlier in the year, told reporters. elipe Massa’s replacement for “We have a number of different next season, the Formula One options and we’ll take our time Fteam’s technical head Paddy Lowe with that and let you know when said on Friday. we have an answer,” he added. Massa, 36, announced ahead of Former champions Williams his home Grand Prix at Interlagos have 19-year-old Canadian Lance this weekend that he is leaving Stroll as their other driver. Formula One at the end of the The Mercedes-powered team are year. currently fifth in the constructors’ Williams have tested ’s standings, with fourth now a Robert Kubica and Britain’s mathematical impossibility. , both older drivers “We are motivated to make seeking a comeback after years some significant change to really out, but also have 23-year-old move forward and create a step German and from where we are,” said Lowe of Russian on the list. plans for 2018. “We’re very unlikely to make a “We’re quite optimistic about Felipe Massa (file pic) decision in short order,” Lowe, who what we’re doing over the winter.” joined from champions Mercedes (Reuters)