Ferrari considering changing Felipe Massa’s gearbox

Ferrari have officially confirmed they are considering changing Felipe Massa’s gearbox ahead of this afternoon’s United States Grand Prix, a move which would tactically benefit Fernando Alonso as the Spaniard would move from the dirty to the clean side of the grid. It is expected that drivers starting on the dirty side of the grid could loose two places at the start.

After a disastrous qualifying session for Ferrari, Fernando Alonso could only manage 9th on the grid. After Romain Grosjean’s gearbox penalty, the Championship contender was therefore promoted to 8th on the grid, which would see the Spaniard start the race from the dirtier side of the grid. Lewis Hamilton has also qualified on the dirty side of the grid, and has pleaded with the race officials to have the track cleaned ahead of the start of the race.

However, it has been officially confirmed that Ferrari are considering changing Felipe Massa’s gearbox, a move which would see Fernando Alonso rise to 7th on the grid and therefore on the clean side of the grid. With the Spaniard locked in a Championship battle with the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel, it’s understandable that the Scuderia are eager to see Alonso start the race from the clean side of the grid.

This move by Ferrari would also see Felipe Massa start from the clean side of the grid, albeit way down in 11th position. Although Ferrari are currently still considering such an option, it remains unclear as to whether a team can change a gearbox that is still fully functional.

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