Alonso set for back of the grid start in Austria

Before an engine has even been fired up at Red Bull Ring, Fernando Alonso is set to start the Austrian Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

He will be demoted when McLaren-Honda make a strategic call to take an engine penalty in Austria.

On the bright side for Alonso he will be running the new short nose version of the MP4-30 which passed the mandatory FIA crash test ahead of this weekend, as well as the latest specification Honda power unit bolted to the back of his car.

Jenson Button’s car will be fitted with the older engine and longer nose version of the chassis.

Earlier this year in China, Alonso and Button’s roles were reversed earlier in the season when the Briton was given first use of the upgrades taken to Shanghai by the team.