Ricciardo gets new engine parts for German GP, set to start last
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo will start Formula 1's 2018 German Grand Prix from the back of the grid after taking new power unit elements ahead of practice at Hockenheim
The team had known for some time that Ricciardo would need to use some new elements and it has opted to make the changes for this weekend.
Ricciardo has been given his third MGU-K of the season, which has triggered a 10-place penalty, while a third energy store has added five more.
His third control electronics unit adds a further demotion of five places and the combined total therefore leads to an automatic back of the grid start for the Red Bull driver.
The team has not yet introduced a new internal combustion unit, MGU-H or turbo for Ricciardo, all of which would trigger fresh penalties as he is already on the limit of the allowance for those parts.
Red Bull is expected to make a decision on those parts after practice is completed on Friday, although it is clear that any further changes would be made for Saturday.
This is because Ricciardo would face no extra loss in Germany, but penalties would apply at another race if the team waits to make the changes.
"We'll see after this session," Christian Horner told Autosport.
"I don't know whether the combustion unit will be new, but he's due some other components. We'll know a bit more later in the day."
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