1 new engine left for BMW drivers
On the good side, at least the situation is not as bad as for example Vettel's, as it's clear BMW isn't fighting for the Championship and now the future of the team is secured…just pending the FIA's 14th team approval.
Regarding the odd engines' failure in Monza and the engine plans, Theissen tells: "The cause of our engine problems in qualifying at Monza was a quality issue with the valve gear, and this means we can't use either of the engines again. Both drivers ran their engines from Spa in Sunday's race at Monza, which leaves them with one more new engine each and several used ones for the remainder of the season. The key question will now be whether these will be enough. If not, we will be forced to use a ninth engine and take a ten-place grid penalty as a result."
Fortunately the drivers will be pleased to drive a substantially upgraded car, as Technical Director Willy Rampf explains: "Following the last major update in Valencia, we will arrive in Singapore with another far-reaching development package. From an aerodynamics point of view, this comprises a new front wing, more deeply undercut sidepods, a further developed double diffuser and a modified rear wing. Added to which, the car also has a totally new gearbox. So, all in all, we are expecting to take another step forward here."