UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Alonso demoted to sixth

McLaren not to score points

Fernando Alonso will be demoted to sixth place on the grid for tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix. The Spaniard lost his pole position after a stewards' enquiry which found him guilty of impeding teammate Lewis Hamilton during a pit stop.

When Alonso pitted, he was told he was to be held for twenty seconds. As this was happening, Hamilton was called to enter the pits by McLaren. He did so and queued up behind his teammate. The lollipop was then raised for Alonso indicating he could leave the pit, but he remained there for a further ten seconds. This subsequently led to Hamilton having insufficient time to complete a flying lap.

Alonso claimed that the reason he remained stationary for an additional ten seconds was that he was making sure the correct set of tyres had been fitted to his car. This explanation was not accepted by the stewards. They also questioned McLaren's reason for holding Alonso for twenty seconds in the pits. At that time, there were only four cars on track, including both McLaren drivers, so waiting for a gap in traffic was not accepted as a valid reason for delaying Hamilton.

As a result, not only did Alonso lose his pole position, but McLaren were also penalised. If the drivers score points in tomorrow's race, the team will still not be awarded any constructors points.

McLaren have the right to appeal the stewards' decision for their penalty, to which they have done, but all results will remain provisional until a hearing is scheduled. Alonso's penalty, however, is not subject to appeal.

Written: Sat, 04 Aug 2007 23:50:04