10-place grid penalty for Maldonado in Abu Dhabi
Pastor Maldonado will receive a 10-place grid penalty for the next Grand Prix, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, because the Venezuelan driver will use his ninth new engine of the season, while the limit is set at eight per driver per season.
Pastor Maldonado retired on Sunday during the Indian Grand Prix due to a gearbox problem. In addition to ending his race, this issue will also compromise his next race in Abu Dhabi as the Venezuelan driver will incur a 10-place grid penalty.
Since the implementation of regulations to reduce costs, each driver has eight new engines per season, and each additional new engine used will incur a 10-place grid penalty. This is what will happen to Maldonado in two weeks at the race held on the Yas Marina circuit.
We must ensure that we have a trouble-free weekend and then it should be possible to be in Q3, even if Pastor will use his ninth engine in Abu Dhabi, due to his gearbox issue in India, he will therefore incur a 10-place penalty, Mark Gillan said.
On Rubens Barrichello’s side, things are a little better as the Brazilian driver will install his eighth and final new engine in Abu Dhabi.
