Pierre Gasly's promising start to his Styrian Grand Prix weekend has been nipped in the bud by a Honda engine issue that has forced the AlphaTauri charger to sit out FP2.
Gasly concluded his opening session on Friday in second place, just 0.256s behind pacesetter Max Verstappen, while AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda ended the morning a creditable P5, confirming the Faenza-based squad's form in Austria.
But in the aftermath of FP1, Honda identified an issue on Gasly's PU.
"After FP1, we noticed something on the data from Pierre Gasly's PU," said the Japanese manufacturer.
"Unfortunately, it will take some time to check, so he will not be taking part in FP2."
A subsequent Honda ICU, turbo, MGU-H or MGU-K change would not warrant a penalty for Gasly as usage remains within the limits of the season.
However, should Honda need to add a new Control Electronics or Energy Store to its pool of elements, Gasly would be hit with a grid drop as engine rules allow for only two of those components to be used during a campaign.
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The post Gasly sidelined from FP2 by Honda engine issue appeared first on F1i.com.
