Ferrari confirm Sainz engine change

Ewan Gale
Friday 22 April 2022 12:06 - Updated: 12:09

Ferrari has changed Carlos Sainz's engine ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Scuderia is taking precautionary measures after the Spaniard driver, who signed a new contract through to the end of 2024 on Thursday, spun out of the Australian Grand Prix early on, beaching himself in the gravel.

The move will ensure any frailties that could have arisen from that incident will not hamper the first sprint weekend of the season at Imola, where F1 has increased the number of points on offer for the 100km race on Saturday.

Drivers placed one to eight will now receive points, with the tally for the winner increased from three to eight. The result will again set the grid for the grand prix on Sunday.

With an hour of qualifying on Friday, power units will be under more strain than usual with power modes turned up earlier in the weekend.

A Ferrari statement read: "Carlos’ engine has been changed as a precaution following the impact in Australia as we do not want to take any risks with the Sprint weekend format."

Ferrari will be aiming to continue its impressive form in front of the passionate Tifosi after winning two of the first three races.

Carlos’ engine has been changed as a precaution following the impact in Australia as we do not want to take any risks with the Sprint weekend format.#essereFerrari #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/kHxpochNPH

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 22, 2022