Formula One news

Sutil penalised for slowing Webber

Force India driver Adrian Sutil has received a penalty for holding up the Red Bull of Mark Webber during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Australian was forced to overtake Sutil into the last corner and compromise one flying lap in the process, before the German then repassed Webber to ruin the Australian's day.

With Webber, who finished second in China last weekend, being able to do nothing but explain that his lap had been 'screwed', Sutil was summoned to the stewards' office but had already admitted his wrongdoing and accepted an expected punishment.

"I was just trying to make a gap to Alonso to start my lap and Mark came up on a flying lap, but I didn't know that" Adrian recalled. "I just tried to stay in my position to get a clear start to the lap - it was a misunderstanding and I apologised to Mark after the end of the session." Ironically, the pair will now start next to each other for the race as Sutil's 16th place became 19th with a 3-place grid penalty, elevating Webber to 18th.

more news

• 27 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed

Homepage