Fernando Alonso to get McLaren's F1 upgrade package but penalty too
The McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team will introduce a major update package at this weekend's Austria Grand Prix, however only Fernando Alonso will run the new spec, AUTOSPORT has learned
The team only has one set of updates and with Jenson Button getting priority last time this happened, at April's Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai, Alonso will benefit at the Red Bull Ring.
Alonso will have the chance to further evaluate the parts when he is in the car next Tuesday for day one of the final in-season test.
ANALYSIS: Will McLaren patience run out?
Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will take over driving duties on Wednesday next week.
Alongside a new short nose, which passed the FIA mandatory crash test earlier this month, there will be sweeping aero updates across the car, including a new front and rear wing.
The new package is expected to arrive on Thursday evening and be fitted in time for first practice on Friday.
Meanwhile, AUTOSPORT understands that Honda will make updates to Alonso's engine, meaning the Spaniard will incur a grid penalty for Sunday's race.
McLaren and Honda are also considering making changes to Button's power unit this weekend.
The team is expected to struggle on the Red Bull Ring, which is a power track, and will be inclined to avoid taking penalties at its home race at Silverstone and at the Hungaroring, where the layout is more suited to its car.
"It will be another weekend which will be tough and where the results will probably not look good," Alonso said.
"There are some penalties to pay and I think it is going to be a test weekend for us.
"It is very important because we have some updates on the car.
"Hopefully we will have some answers and I'm optimistic about things coming to the car in the near future."
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