F1: Raikkonen had to run old-spec engine

Kimi Raikkonen was forced to switch to a previous specification engine for Mexican Grand Prix qualifying after his car caught fire in final practice.

The Finn pulled off the circuit with smoke billowing from the rear of his Ferrari and the team subsequently removed the engine after finding a problem with the exhaust. The team fitted an old-spec engine and changed the gearbox, which was damaged in the fire, in time to get Raikkonen out for qualifying, where he finished 15th quickest after encountering a brake problem in Q2.

Ferrari is unsure whether the damaged engine can be used again and will take it back to Maranello for further inspection.

Raikkonen hinted that the team has plenty of options with regards making changes before Sunday's race, which could include a change to a fresh new spec unit, because the gearbox penalty means he will start near the back anyway.

"It might be one place but that's not a lot when you're at the back; we're pretty much free to do what we want," said Raikkonen. "I had to stop the car, then we had to change the engine to one we have run already this year and fit a new gearbox because we had a fire in the car.

"It was not a lot of time to fix the car but the mechanics managed to do it so that was one of the few positive things. Unfortunately with the limited time we had, we had a small issue with the brakes.

"The plan was go through to Q2 as we knew we were going to get some penalties so it wouldn't make any sense to even go through Q3 at this point, so at least we can decide what tires we use."

Originally on Autosport.com