New Delhi: McLaren`s Jenson Button will drop five places on the grid at the start of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix Oct 7 due to a gearbox change.
Teammate Lewis Hamilton retired from the lead during the Singapore Grand Prix Sep 23 with a transmission issue. Post-race check-ups on Button`s car have uncovered an identical problem, according to the official Formula One website.
"Both cars must start the Japanese Grand Prix with new gearboxes which means that Jenson will receive a five-place penalty," said McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe.
Button is sixth in the driver`s championship table with 119 points, 75 behind leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and 23 behind Hamilton, who escapes a penalty as he did not finish in Singapore.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, October 02, 2012, 14:48