FV8 3.5: Celis handed five-place grid penalty

Force India Formula 1 Friday practice driver Alfonso Celis Jr. has been awarded a five-place grid penalty for the second Formula V8 3.5 race at Hungaroring on Sunday.

Celis Jr was involved in two incidents in the opening contest, first with SMP Racing driver Matevos Isaakyan on lap one, and on lap eight a collision with Arden driver Egor Orudzhev that ended both drivers' race. The first altercation resulted in a two-place drop for the Mexican, and a three-place penalty was added for his part in the Orudzhev shunt.

"At the first corner I was pushed wide, and I got some grass in the sidepods," said Isaakyan. "Then on the first lap we got some problems with the engine. We thought it is probably caused by the incident, and later on I had to stop as it was going very slowly."

SMP Racing is investigating whether the Russian's engine went into a safety mode because of blocked radiators, or if there was another potential issue with the car.

Celis Jr. apologized for his part in the incidents and reported that he had been suffering problems with his mirrors and radio. The Mexican has expressed a desire to have more concave mirrors fitted.

Arden boss Garry Horner commented: "I think this year the quality of the drivers is high. What I have seen today has been good, and in Motorland likewise.

"Egor's incident appeared to be a bit of a Kvyat [Chinese Grand Prix] situation. The door was open, the room was there and then it was closed on him. It's unfortunate."

Originally on Autosport.com