Villeneuve Allowed To Change Engine

By Phil Huff
April 6 2003

Jacques Villeneuve and Kimi Raikkonen started the Brazilian Grand Prix with new engines as a result of evidence of mechanical problems which was presented to FIA representatives after Saturday's qualifying session.

"Post qualifying data indicated that there was a crack in the casting somewhere in Kimi's engine," said a Mercedes spokesman. "Permission to change the engine was sought and the FIA authorised it after scrutinising the data."

Jacques Villeneuve had suspected engine problems in qualifying, but initial applications for a change were apparently turned down by the FIA as BAR telemetry came under scrutiny. It is understood, however, that a change has since been made.

"As I accelerated out of turn one, the engine noise changed rapidly," said Villeneuve after a disappointing performance. "I lost a lot of power and that stayed for the whole lap so it's very frustrating."