Formula One news

Coulthard faces 10-place grid penalty

Red Bull driver David Coulthard finished the Bahrain Grand Prix in tenth position. The Scotsman was frustrated already after his difficult race, but will have to face a 10-place grid penalty in Malaysia next weekend for blowing up his Ferrari engine after the chequered flag in Bahrain.

The engines of Formula 1 cars have to last two races. When a driver switches his engine he will have to go back ten places at the grid except when he retires during the race itself. As Coulthard had his engine failure after the chequered flag he will have to face his penalty in Malaysia next weekend.

"It's hard on the small teams," Coulthard told PA. "The penalty, fair enough everyone understands why, but it's not the same for all. It is like Chelsea losing a man - being down to 10 men is not as tough for them as it would be for a smaller team.

"But you can't do anything. For race two, even if I stick it on pole I am 11th and the chances of being on pole are quite slim."

A disappointed Coulthard said: "I think we just accept the first two races are going to be pretty tough and then do a test after Malaysia in Valencia. Hopefully then I will be more comfortable. I honestly feel this is the first time I am getting to know this car."

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