24/11/2013
NEWS STORY
McLaren's hopes have taken a further blow after the team opted to change the gearbox on Sergio Perez' car, thus incurring a five-place grid penalty.
The Mexican, who crashed out during Q2 yesterday, the only driver to come to serious grief in what have been four wet sessions.
On investigating the car, which incurred damage to the front and rear suspension, the team opted to change his gearbox also, thus incurring the penalty.
Having qualified 14th, he will now start from 19th, with teammate Jenson Button promoted from 15th to 14th.
The Mexican, who has yet to find a seat for 2014, blamed the crash on pushing too hard in the difficult conditions.
"It looked bigger than it actually was," he said of the accident. "As soon as I lost the car, I went over the grass and hit the wall - but it was only a slight hit, and the car wasn’t too badly damaged. It’s a pity, but I was giving it my all. I knew it was my last opportunity to set a time; it was getting wetter, and I was pushing right to the limit, because I knew the car wasn’t responding well. I was trying my hardest."