Heikki Kovalainen will start the Malaysian Grand Prix five places lower than he qualifies after the FIA handed the Caterham driver a five-place grid penalty for next weekend’s event.
The Finnish driver was found to have been in breach of Article 40.8 of sporting regulations which states a “no driver may overtake another car on the track, including the safety car, until he passes the first safety car line for the first time when the safety car is returning to the pits.”
Kovalainen overtook two cars before the first safety car line which is positioned parallel to the pit entrance.
Kovalainen called the decision unfair, writing on Twitter: “Tough day today, never mind one of those races that happen sometimes, bit harsh penalty from stewards for the next race but that’s life too!”
