Kubica set to start from pit lane at Belgian Grand Prix

Robert Kubica is set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane for Williams following his engine failure during qualifying which has triggered engine, gearbox and rear wing changes.

The Polish driver caused an early red flag in Q1 of qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps when his power unit expired, forcing him to stop trackside in a plume of smoke, denying him the chance to complete a timed lap.

Following the mechanical breakdown, Williams has replaced Kubica’s gearbox, internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H and his car’s rear wing.

With the parts changed under Parc Ferme conditions, the FIA has confirmed the Polish driver will need to start the race from the pit lane. Kubica has been set to start last on the grid having failed to set a lap time in qualifying.

“As the above parts are different from the ones originally used and also changes have been made to the set up of the suspension, car number 88 should now be required to start from the pit lane according to Article 34.6 of the 2019 Formula One Sporting Regulations,” Jo Bauer, FIA Formula 1 technical delegate, reported.

Kubica becomes the eight driver hit with grid penalties this weekend due to engine and parts changes for the Belgium Grand Prix which has caused a shake-up grid for today’s race.

Charles Leclerc starts on pole position for Ferrari ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel with championship leader Lewis Hamilton in third place for Mercedes.