Post-race checks on Button's car have uncovered a terminal problem, identical to the transmission issue, which caused Lewis Hamilton to retire in the race in Singapore last time out..
Speaking to Autosport, McLaren Technical Director Paddy Lowe said:“Both cars must start the Japanese Grand Prix with new gearboxes, which means that Jenson will receive a five-place penalty.”
The grid penalty is another blow for the 2009 F1 World Champion. Button currently lies sixth in the Drivers Championship table, 75 points behind Spanish Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso and 23 points behind his team mate Lewis Hamilton, who escapes a penalty as Hamilton did not finish the race in Singapore.
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