Two-time Formula One world champion ­Fernando Alonso of Spain will start his 250th Grand Prix from the back of the grid in ­Russia on Sunday after taking a 25-place ­penalty ­following the McLaren-­Honda team's decision to introduce an updated engine.

The Spaniard, who on Thursday confirmed he intends to remain with the struggling outfit and see out his contract to 2017, has already used nine engines this year and will be on his 10th in the weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

His McLaren teammate Briton Jenson Button confirmed he will stay at McLaren next year, ending rumors that he was set to retire from F1.