Jenson Button struck with grid penalty for Suzuka

Jenson Button has been issued a five-place grid penalty for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, a race which the Briton won last year ahead of reigning Champion Sebastian Vettel. The penalty could be a massive blow for Button’s Championship chances, with the Briton sitting 75 points behind Championship leader Fernando Alonso.

This will see both McLaren drivers head into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend with brand-new gearboxes, after Lewis Hamilton’s disastrous gearbox failure during the early stages of the Singapore Grand Prix. Unfortunately for Jenson Button, an identical gearbox issue was discovered on his car during post-race investigations, after the 2009 World Champion finished 2nd behind eventual race winner Sebastian Vettel.

"Jenson’s gearbox had the same problem as Lewis’s gearbox during the Singapore Grand Prix, and subsequent investigation has revealed a terminal failure.” Explained McLaren’s technical director, Paddy Lowe, to AutoSport. “Therefore both cars must start the Japanese Grand Prix with new gearboxes, which means that Jenson will receive a five-place penalty. Of course, this is a great disappointment for Jenson and the team. On the positive side, we have understood and completely resolved the issue, allowing both drivers to compete with confidence for podium positions."

Although Lewis Hamilton retired from the Singapore Grand Prix whilst in the lead, the 2008 World Champion will not incur a grid penalty seeing as he did not finish the race. McLaren are currently sitting 2nd in the Constructors’ Championship, 36 points behind leaders Red Bull. The Woking-based outfit will unquestionably be aiming for a competitive and issue-free weekend, as they strive to reel in the reigning Constructors’ Champions.

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