05/10/2013
NEWS STORY
Jules Bianchi has been penalised following an incident during the opening phase of today's qualifying session.
In the final moments of Q1, the Frenchman, who was on his out-lap, appeared to impede Paul di Resta who was on a flying lap. The Scot, who lost time as a result and failed to improve, nonetheless made the cut to contest Q2.
The investigating stewards ruled that Bianchi, who was given a radio warning of di Resta's approach but decided to stay on line to start his own flying lap, could have safely allowed the Force India past before starting his flying lap.
Ruling that Bianchi had impeded the Scot, a breach of Article 16.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, the Marussia driver was penalised with a three-place grid drop - though in reality he can only drop one place since he qualified twenty-first. He was also handed a reprimand, his second of the season.
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