Reliability could play a key part in the outcome of this weekend’s title decider in Sao Paulo. Under the 2008 Formula One regulations, ‘joker’ engine changes are not permitted at the final round of the season, so anyone experiencing a failure ahead of the Interlagos race will definitely take a 10-place grid drop.
In theory, that means those starting the weekend on a fresh V8 have an advantage over those whose engines are on the second of the required two-race cycle. Not only are the newer engines likely to have slightly more power, their drivers will also feel they can afford to push them that little bit harder.
So who has a fresh engine? The majority of the field in fact, including title contender Felipe Massa. His championship rival Lewis Hamilton is one of just seven drivers whose engine will be on its second race. The seven in full are:
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
David Coulthard, Red Bull
Mark Webber, Red Bull
Nico Rosberg, Williams
Kazuki Nakajima, Williams
Adrian Sutil, Force India
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8606.htmlTheStig