Alonso and Hamilton set to start from back of Spa grid

Fernando Alonso will join Lewis Hamilton in starting the 2016 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, after McLaren opted to change his newly-upgraded Honda engine following problems in opening practice at Spa-Francorchamps.

That change sees Alonso take a sixth ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, turbo, control electronics and energy store of the season, meaning he receives a 35-place grid penalty. All the new parts are understood to be of the same specification that the Spaniard used in FP1.

Mercedes, meanwhile, have confirmed that Hamilton will drop 30 grid places thanks to further replacement elements on his power unit - his seventh turbocharger and MGU-H of the season - after opening practice. With the world champion already demoted to a back-row start, the team may well opt to make additional engine changes ahead of qualifying.

And at Sauber, Marcus Ericsson will lose 10 grid places thanks to the Swiss team putting a new turbocharger - his sixth of the season - on his Ferrari power unit.