Before the start of FP2 this morning, Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado is set to be hit by a 10-place grid penalty as a result of using his sixth power unit component of the season.
The 2014 regulations state that each driver can only use five of each component, with an automatic penalty being applied if a sixth is used. Maldonado will take a sixth new internal combustion engine (ICE) at the Japanese Grand Prix and will receive the penalty, which will also carry over to the next race in Russia if he can’t drop the full 10 places in Suzuka.
In a press release to the media, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said the following regarding Maldonado’s penalty:-
‘The internal combustion engine used by Pastor Maldonado is the sixth new internal combustion engine for the 2014 Championship season and as this is not in conformity with article 28.4a of the 2014 Formula One Sporting Regulations, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.’
It would seem that Bauer believes that a penalty will be applied on Maldonado’s car because of the Lotus having to use a sixth internal combustion engine which is against the regulations. As we already know, Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat was the first driver to receive such a penalty this season when he took a 10-place grid drop at the Italian Grand Prix in September.
This is the last thing that Lotus and Maldonado need, especially at a track that the Lotus team especially felt could have brought them a good result this weekend. And Lotus and Maldonado sadly will have to accept the penalty and just hope that it doesn’t affect their performance in the race on Sunday.
