Sebastien Buemi has been excluded from qualifying for the German Grand Prix after fuel, taken from his car at the end of today’s session, was found to be irregular.
The Swiss driver, who had qualified in 16th place, fell foul of Article 19.8.3 of the FIA Technical Regulations which relate to whether or not the fuel complies with the reference sample submitted to stewards ahead of the race weekend.
Buemi will be allowed to take part in the race, but will start from the back of the grid or, if he prefers, from the pitlane.
Toro Rosso have given the following reason for the breach of the regulations:
“During Friday's FP1, Buemi's car had a fuel pressure problem, which then got worse at the start of FP2 which is why he did not do a timed lap in that session. After FP2 the entire fuel system on his car was changed.
“When the fuel sample was taken from his car after qualifying, it did not match the one provided to the FIA prior to the start of the season. The team believes that some part of the new fuel system contained a chemical that contaminated the fuel and caused the non-conformity.”
