Nico Hulkenberg has been given a three-place grid penalty for tomorrow?s Chinese Grand Prix after stewards found Force India guilty of an unsafe release from pitlane.
The Force India driver pulled off the circuit after his left-front wheel disconnected from his car in the closing minutes of Q2, bringing out a red flag which ultimately ended the session.
The penalty means that Hulkenberg will start tomorrow?s race from 13th on the grid, moving Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button up by single place each.
The stewards? decision was published as follows:
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, heard from team representatives and examined video evidence and the parts concerned, have considered the following matter, determine a breach of the regulations has been committed by the competitor named below and impose the penalty referred to.
No / Driver: 27 ? Nico Hulkenberg
Competitor: Sahara Force India F1 Team
Time: 15:59
Session: Qualifying
Fact: Car 27 was released in an unsafe condition during practice.
Offence: Breach of Article 28.13 (b) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
Decision: Drop of 3 grid positions.
Reason: Car 27 was released in an unsafe condition as the wheel and tyre fell off at turn 10.