Perez set for Singapore grid penalty after gearbox change

Sergio Perez is set for a five-place grid penalty in Singapore after Racing Point was forced into a gearbox change on his car ahead of qualifying.

Perez damaged his gearbox after hitting the wall at the exit of Turn 21 with the rear-right of his car during final practice, bringing his session to an early end.

It was quickly confirmed that the team would be taking a new gearbox on Perez's car as a result, meaning the Mexican will drop five places on the grid.

"After the third free practice session today the gearbox of car number 11, driver Sergio Perez, was replaced for a new one," reads technical delegate Jo Bauer's report.

"This gearbox change was before the six consecutive Events expired. Therefore this is not in compliance with Article 23.5a of the 2019 Formula One Sporting Regulations and I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

Perez completed just four laps in FP3 as a result of the clash with the wall, with the grid penalty acting as the latest setback on a difficult weekend, having already battled stomach illness earlier in the weekend that caused him to miss most of his media duties on Thursday as a result.

Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat was also sidelined by an issue in FP3 after an oil leak on his Honda engine, and although he will change power units ahead of qualifying, the team has confirmed it will use elements already in the pool, thus avoiding a grid penalty.

Perez is the only driver with a grid drop so far this weekend in Singapore.