Honda will fit a new power unit to Alexander Albon’s re-built Toro Rosso for Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Albon crashed heavily during the closing stages of Saturday’s third practice session and caused substantial damage to the STR14.
Albon was unable to participate in qualifying due to the damage sustained and Toro Rosso is to change his chassis prior to Sunday’s race.
As a result he will start from the pit lane.
Honda confirmed that Albon’s car will be fitted with a new power unit as a precaution, with the older power unit parts to be sent back to its Sakura base for a full assessment.
“At the moment, we do not know the full extent of the possible damage to the various PU elements,” said Honda chief Toyoharu Tanabe.
It is the second Honda power unit change of the season after the manufacturer fitted new components to Daniil Kvyat’s car between practice sessions on Friday, having spotted an anomaly on the data.
