Career Mode Engine/Gearbox change: When does the penalty apply?

[Jiraiya761]

So I do 100% races. I've recently restarted career and now in Season 1 China. It's a wet race and I'm pretty great at wet races; I am 90% sure I can win the race from last place in most wet races. So with my durability still being crap, I want to change the engine and gearbox out between Qualis and the Race itself.

When do the penalties apply in this instance? If they apply for the race then great, that's what I want, but if they apply in Baku then it's a wasted opportunity (unless, of course, Baku is a wet race weekend too).

Many thanks in advance.

[Pingu]

Are you taking a grid penalty for the ICE or are you simply replacing it?
The grid penalty for the gearbox will apply in China as will all components changed within that race weekend or after the Bahrain race.

[Dreagon]

They would apply in the next race, in this case China. But considering you're starting a new career you don't have to take penalties for simply replacing the ICE, only if you get an extra one besides the few you start with. You probably don't need to replace the gearbox either at this point unless the scaling is horribly off because in my experience at 25% and 50% races the gearbox does fine for the first five races, six if you have one gearbox upgrade. But even without the upgrade it might still work in Monaco but you risk issues.

[Pingu]

Originally posted by Dreagon:

They would apply in the next race, in this case China. But considering you're starting a new career you don't have to take penalties for simply replacing the ICE, only if you get an extra one besides the few you start with. You probably don't need to replace the gearbox either at this point unless the scaling is horribly off because in my experience at 25% and 50% races the gearbox does fine for the first five races, six if you have one gearbox upgrade. But even without the upgrade it might still work in Monaco but you risk issues.

Obviously around Monaco maybe taking no penalty is good depending on your track position from qualifying.

[Dreagon]

Originally posted by Bacon4Dayzz:

Originally posted by Dreagon:

They would apply in the next race, in this case China. But considering you're starting a new career you don't have to take penalties for simply replacing the ICE, only if you get an extra one besides the few you start with. You probably don't need to replace the gearbox either at this point unless the scaling is horribly off because in my experience at 25% and 50% races the gearbox does fine for the first five races, six if you have one gearbox upgrade. But even without the upgrade it might still work in Monaco but you risk issues.

Obviously around Monaco maybe taking no penalty is good depending on your track position from qualifying.

Well, yeah. That's why I personally always get the first gearbox upgrade as one of the first upgrades. That pretty much guarantees it will survive Monaco without (many) issues.

[Pingu]

Originally posted by Dreagon:

Originally posted by Bacon4Dayzz:

Obviously around Monaco maybe taking no penalty is good depending on your track position from qualifying.

Well, yeah. That's why I personally always get the first gearbox upgrade as one of the first upgrades. That pretty much guarantees it will survive Monaco without (many) issues.

True true, but I’ve noticed components last longer if the car isn’t as powerful and fast as the top 3.