Both McLaren's receive 5-place grid drop - Ferrari top the timesheets in qualifying, whilst McLaren suffer a penalty
Published by Christine
This is F1Minute for the 22nd March 2008.
Massa led the way for Ferrari today in qualifying, taking pole position just ahead of Räikkönen. They were followed by both McLarens, until the stewards got involved. After the chequered flag had dropped for the end of qualifying, both Heidfeld and Alonso were still on a hot lap. They found themselves weaving through the traffic to try and get a decent time. The stewards investigated the situation and found both Hamilton and Kovalainen had held up the BMW and Renault. Both have now sustained a five place grid drop meaning they start from 8th and 9th on the grid.
The other penalty on the grid is for Kazuki Nakajima. He qualified his Williams in 18th place but after last week’s accident with Kubica has been demoted ten places. He may choose to start from the pitlane.
The Red Bull cars were deemed to be safe after the team submitted a technical report regarding Coulthard’s accident yesterday, so they are allowed to take part in qualifying and the race, although they are still being monitored.
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1Minute.
