Alonso to start from back of grid in Great Britain

Multiple grid penalties mean that McLaren’s Fernando Alonso will begin Sunday’s 2017 Formula 1 Rolex British Grand Prix from the back of the field, regardless of where he qualifies at Silverstone.

With Honda moving Alonso to their latest Spec 3 power unit this weekend, he has been penalised a total of 30 grid places for the use of additional components, covering engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K and Energy Store.

The move is a major blow to the Spaniard’s hopes of points on Sunday, after he was an encouraging ninth fastest in Friday practice.

However, it will mean he is less likely to take any penalties at the next round in Hungary, where the less power-dependant Budapest circuit should be bettered suited to McLaren’s MCL32 car.

Alonso is not the only driver with grid penalties in Great Britain. Both Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo will drop five places for unscheduled gearbox changes.