128w ago - Today another Gran Turismo 5 PS3 update has arrived, with the v1.03 patch weighing in at 149MB in size.

According to GTPlanet.net (linked above), the update includes an option for mechanical damage added to the settings for online races.

To quote: As can be seen in the online “My Lounge” options for an online race, a new “Mechanical Damage” setting is available for the event with three settings, as described by the scrolling information bar on the bottom of the screen:

• None – No mechanical damage.
  
• Light – Mechanical parts can be damaged, but will “automatically be repaired after a short time has passed.”
  
• Heavy – Mechanical damage will be more severe, and can only be repaired by making a pit stop. Damaged parts will be indicated with on-screen icons.
  

I just downloaded it and can confirm it does add mechanical damage to online races.