By Phil Huff (23/07/2004)
July 23 2004

Jenson Button's hopes getting back on the podium this weekend have taken a blow after he was penalised 10 places on the grid. Button parked his Honda powered BAR 006 towards the end of today's second practice session, initially suspecting a mechanical gremlin. Unsure of the exact problem, the team stripped the car and eventually traced the fault back to the engine, which was then replaced. An engine change brings with it an automatic 10 place penalty on the grid, so Jenson will only be able to start as high as 11th.



"We had a good morning so it's very disappointing that I will lose 10 places on the grid as a result of my engine change," said the unhappy Englishman. "I will obviously be targeting a points finish on Sunday but the task has been made a lot more difficult."

The target has now been moved from a podium finish to just scoring points, while the pressure is now on Takuma Sato to show well and bring in the points BAR so desperately need to pass Renault.