Alonso hit with 35-place grid drop for Japanese GP

Fernando Alonso has been hit with a 35-place grid penalty for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka after McLaren was forced to change the Honda Formula 1 power unit on his car overnight.

McLaren was forced to break its curfew and work through the night in order to repair Alonso's power unit, which was introduced two races ago in Singapore, with the power unit element changes being confirmed by the FIA on Saturday morning ahead of qualifying.

By taking a complete set of new elements - internal combustion engine, MGU-H, MGU-K, turbocharger, control electronics and battery - Alonso has accrued a 35-place grid penalty that will almost certainly leave him starting from the back of the grid.

McLaren was forced to make the changes after discovering a hydraulic leak on Alonso's car following Friday's practice running, coming as a blow for Honda at its home race.

Stoffel Vandoorne will therefore be left to lead McLaren's efforts at Suzuka, having finished seventh in each of the last two races to rise above Alonso in the drivers' championship.