Nico Rosberg also handed five place grid penalty at Belgian Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg has been handed five place grid penalty for unscheduled gearbox change. Rosberg’s Mercedes lost drive at the exit of Pouhon corner and the team have confirmed that the gearbox was at fault.

He now joins RedBull’s Mark Webber who also has been handed five place grid penalty for unscheduled gearbox change.The penalty means both Rosberg and Webber will start five places down on where they qualify.

For Rosberg and Mercedes the penalty is even bigger blow because the Mercedes seems to be struggling for balance particularly in sector 2. To add to problems, Schumacher reported heavy tyre graining during practice 3.

Mercedes’ problems are mainly related to long fast corners such as Pouhon. Both Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher are struggling for balance through sector 2 and are having to wait for the car to come to them in the long fast corners.

It will be interesting to see if either of the two can make into Q3 as the signs don’t look too promising. But you never know as Spa has always smiled down on seven time world champion Michael Schumacher.