McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton will be pushed back three grid positions at the Indian Grand Prix after being punished for ignoring yellow flags during Friday’s first practice session, as Ferrari’s Felipe Massa surprisingly topped the second session.
Stewards penalized former world champion Hamilton for an incident during the morning session. Sauber’s Sergio Perez was given the same penalty.
Hamilton’s penalty came after he opened the rear wing on his McLaren thereby increasing speed in a zone where double yellow flags were being waved to warn drivers to slow down while marshals were retrieving the stricken Williams of Pastor Maldonado from the verge of the track. Perez made the same transgression a few minutes earlier.
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Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton Fastest in First Practice at India
Formula 1: Indian Grand Prix - First Practice Results
Formula 1: Felipe Massa Fastest in Second Practice at India
Formula 1: Indian Grand Prix - Second Practice Results
Hamilton had complained earlier in the season about the frequency of his visits to the stewards’ room but said Friday’s penalty “was justified” and accepted “it is my fault.” On a track with plenty of overtaking opportunities, a three—place grid penalty is not too onerous.
The Briton topped the timesheets in the morning session, but slipped back to fourth in the afternoon, ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber and McLaren teammate Jenson Button. The Hindu
The flags were waved after Williams’ Pastor Maldonado experienced engine failure at turn 16 of the newly-opened Buddh International Circuit, with the penalty proving the latest setback in a season which has seen Hamilton win just two races.
Meanwhile, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt over the future of the race in Korea after it emerged the event organizers were seeking a reduction in the hosting fee.
It was announced Tuesday a race will be held in New Jersey from 2013 onwards, with a further grand prix in the U.S. to be held in Austin, Texas from next season. Russia is also set to make its F1 bow in 2014.
Current regulations limit the maximum number of rounds in an F1 season to 20, with Korea, which has a deal to host a race until 2016, earmarked as a venue which could potentially make way. CNN International
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