Sauber Not Benefiting from Ferrari's New Engines

Ferrari might have solved their engine-related problems ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, but that doesn't mean the new units will immediately be available for the Scuderia's engine partner BMW Sauber-Ferrari. The Hinwil based team is currently using Ferrari engines and has so far experienced the same problems as the Italian team (meaning 2 engine failures apiece).

Earlier this week, Ferrari confirmed the fact that they had asked for permission from the FIA to further work on their 2010 engines, as they have discovered some flaws related to the valve system. Their request was granted on grounds of reliability and Ferrari will use revised powerplants in Barcelona.

However, when asked by the journalists if his team will benefit from the newly-improved engines confirmed by Ferrari, Sauber's leading driver and veteran Pedro de la Rosa admitted his doubts.

“I very much doubt it,” said the 39-year old driver.

However, De la Rosa insisted that the Monaco Grand Prix will see his team implementing the new Ferrari units for sure. Until then, both him and his teammate Kamui Kobayashi will likely drive on conservative modes this weekend, in order to avoid another engine failure after only 5 races.

According to the FIA rules, each driver is assigned 8 engines for a Formula One campaign, each extra engine leading to a 10-place grid penalty for the race in which it is used for the first time. Despite the FIA's positive response to Ferrari's request, it is believed the damaged engines so far were not subject to the modifications, meaning BMW Sauber and Ferrari have to work with 14 units until the end of the season.