Sep.26 (GMM) Rubens Barrichello is to take a five-place grid penalty in Singapore because his gearbox needs to be changed, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports.
The problems with the Brawn transmission date back to Spa, but the veteran Brazilian persevered with the slightly damaged 'box at Monza and duly won the race.But it is believed that the team is not willing to take the same risk in Singapore, where many corners, bumps and even underground static electricity mean it is perhaps the hardest circuit on the calendar on gearboxes.The new gearbox will be fitted to Barrichello's car on Saturday, which is the first official session of the grand prix weekend.It is believed that if the unit is changed after morning practice, a used replacement can be fitted for the remainder of the weekend, and then a fresh gearbox used at Suzuka.
