Hartley and Ericsson to start from back in France

Brendon Hartley isn’t getting much luck of late. After crashing out on the opening lap last time out in Canada, he will be starting this weekend’s French Grand Prix from the back of the grid thanks to engine penalties.

Hartley pulled up with technical issues late in Friday’s second practice session, and Honda have given his Toro Rosso a new set of power unit components. As they exceed his season allocation, the resulting penalties are such that he must start Sunday’s race from the back.

A fourth engine, turbo and MGU-H for the New Zealander, plus a third MGU-K, Energy Store and Control Electronics add up to penalties of 35 grid places. However, under new-for-2018 rules, any driver with penalties exceeding 15 places goes to the back of the grid.

Meanwhile, Marcus Ericsson is expected to start Sunday’s race from the pit lane because of Sauber giving him a new chassis after his original car was extensively damaged in his FP1 crash and ensuing fire.