The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend descended a little further into farce when title challenger Michael Schumacher was handed a 2s penalty ahead of today's qualifying session.

The German was notified of the penalty just moments before the session got underway, having been found guilty of overtaking a number of cars - including title rival Fernando alonso - under red flags in this morning's free practice session.

The German's penalty comes at a time when Fernando Alonso has been penalized for two misdemeanours during Friday's second Free practice session, which netted the Spaniard two separate 1s penalties.

At a time when many are critical of the FIA's actions regarding the mass damper system on the Renault, which has been banned over halfway through the season, the penalties for the two title protagonists have added to mounting speculation that the championship is being 'manipulated'.

The penalty means that both Alonso and Schumacher will have 2s added to their times during each phase of the qualifying session.