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F1: Brawn GP yet to decide on Rubens Barrichello gearbox change

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Brawn is still yet to decide whether to change Rubens Barrichello's Spa-specification gearbox ahead of the Italian grand prix.

Despite having some concerns about the unit after the oil leak and fire at the end of the Spa race two weeks ago, it successfully got the Brazilian through third practice and qualifying at high-speed Monza on Saturday.

The British team would prefer to keep the gearbox in Barrichello's car for the race, because an out-of-sequence change would cost him a five-place grid demotion.

"We're going to have another look at all the information," team boss Ross Brawn told reporters at Monza after qualifying. "There's no decision yet."

He revealed that, with the fuel weights now published by the FIA, an analysis will be done as to the affect the penalty would have on Barrichello's Italian GP. A decision will likely be made on Sunday morning.

Barrichello, fifth on the grid and just ahead of his teammate Jenson Button despite a marginally heavier fuel load, said it might be worth taking the risk of not changing the gearbox.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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