» Di Resta hit with a grid penalty

Paul di Resta has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after his Force India team was forced to perform an unscheduled gearbox change to his car.

After finishing tenth last time out at the Belgian Grand Prix, the team detected an issue with the Scot’s transmission and applied with the FIA to change the gearbox overnight, ahead of today’s final practice session and the all-important qualifying session.

The FIA granted the application, but have imposed a five-place grid drop as the gearbox in question has not been used for five events this season.

With the unit fitted overnight, di Resta finished third-quickest in today’s final practice session, boding well for a strong performance in qualifying and the race.