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Ferrari has elected to make a precautionary engine change on Felipe Massa's car ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

After technical data highlighted a potential area of concern with the Brazilian's V8 power unit - used for the first time this weekend - Ferrari decided to take a no risk approach and change it.

As the new power unit is part of the eight engines drivers are allowed to use during the season, there is no penalty for Massa.

However, due to Formula 1's regulations, the replaced engine cannot be used before the season finale in Brazil.

Ferrari was not the only team electing to make changes under parc ferme conditions, with Red Bull replacing the fifth, sixth and seventh gear ratios on both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber's cars.

As the new parts were identical to the old ones, there was no penalty for the changes.