24/05/2014
NEWS STORY
It wasn't only Nico Rosberg's controversial last lap that kept the Race Stewards busy in Monaco today.
A number of predictable incidents on the tight and twisty streets of the Principality saw several drivers called before the stewards, some faring better than others.
Marcus Ericsson will start from the pitlane tomorrow after the Swede was adjudged to have caused the collision that meant Felipe Massa was unable to post a time in Q2 and therefore starts from 16th on the grid.
The Williams driver moved aside for the Caterham on the run down to Mirabeau but the Swede got it all wrong and went into the barriers taking the hapless Brazilian with him.
Adjudged to have "recklessly collided with car 19 (Massa) in turn 5", an incident as defined by Article 16.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, Ericsson will start the race from the pitlane and also receive two penalty points.
"On my final push lap I was behind Massa going into turn five and he moved offline a bit which meant I had to change my braking point," explained Ericsson. "I locked up and went into the barrier with him which was my mistake. It’s unfortunate it took him out too but it looks like the car is ok so now I want to put today behind me and concentrate on the race.”
Having unnecessarily impeded car 13 (Pastor Maldonado) in turn 19, Daniil Kvyat, who qualified a very impressive ninth on his first visit to Monaco, was given a reprimand, his first of the season.
Esteban Gutierrez, who was thought to have impeded countryman Sergio Perez in T19 escaped punishment as it was felt the Sauber driver had to slow due to the proximity of a car in front.
Check out our Saturday gallery, here.
Chris Balfe