Singapore Grand Prix: FIA Dish Out More Harsh Penalties

The stewards in Singapore handed out two penalties following an incident involving Nick Heidfeld, of BMW-Sauber, and Rubens Barrichello, of Honda, during the first qualifying session.

Due to the disturbing nature of the track design, whereby the pitlane entrance and exit are on the racing line, Heidfeld inadvertently blocked Barrichello, who was on a flying lap.

Heidfeld, who had qualified in P6, will be demoted to 9th on the grid for impeding Barrichello’s lap, whilst the Brazilian picks up a 10,000€ fine for an incorrect entry to the pit lane.

Neal’s View: If anyone should be picking up penalties it is the circuit designer. To have the pitlane entrance and exit on the racing line is pure madness, and both Heidfeld and Barrichello can feel rightly agrieved about the incident.