Ocon set for Brazil gearbox penalty

Esteban Ocon harboured hopes of starting Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix in the top 10 after an encouraging run in Friday practice. Unfortunately, he’s unlikely to achieve that ambition as Force India were forced to change his gearbox…

As the gearbox has not completed the required six events, Ocon will incur a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race at Interlagos.

The news comes after Ocon finished 10th in each of Friday’s 90-minute practice sessions. “Both sessions were straightforward for me,” he said. “The target is definitely to reach Q3”.

It’s a blow for Force India, who are looking to make up ground on McLaren in the battle for sixth in the constructors’ championship. They trail the British team by 11 points with two races to go.