Some 20 laps to go in the Bahrain race, his RB6 experienced a sudden loss of competitiveness due to a failed spark plug that led to a loss of power for the Renault engine. However, it seems the powerplant was not affected beyond repair, as the mechanics have already worked the problem out and are ready to fit it into the car from as early as the Aussie weekend.
Nevertheless, the engine will not be used in either qualifying or race, but in the two practice sessions on Friday. The information was revealed by Germany's Auto Bild Motorsport, which also noted that Vettel will benefit from a brand new powerplant starting the Saturday qualifying session in Albert Park.
According to the current FIA regulations on the engine section, all drivers are allowed to use an overall 8 engines per season, no matter how they allocate them throughout the season. In fact, it is possible that some of the already used units – such as the one in Bahrain – will be again used in some of the late races of 2010.
Every extra powerplant used by a driver in a season will lead to a grid penalty, enforced at the event he uses it.
Apart from Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will also start the Australian race having already used a second engine (the Scuderia duo started the Bahrain race with different engines as compared to the ones used in qualifying).
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