F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Buemi promoted to pole in Santiago after di Grassi exclusion!

Nissan e.dams Sebastien Buemi will head the Formula E field later today in Santiago de Chile after poleman Lucas di Grassi was excluded from qualifying.

The Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler driver had put in a dominant performance in the top-six final shootout earlier today.

But an infraction linked to his slow in-lap procedure during his group qualifying run that preceded the super pole shootout warranted his exclusion from the session.

Di Grassi will start this afternoon's race last.

Offering a bit of insight on the penalty, Audi Sport commented on Twitter that "the rule was changed before the weekend and says that the driver must use the brakes in the same intensity as on his fast lap."

Article 27.9 of Formula E’s sporting regulations was implemented ahead of this weekend's race following a request from FE supplier Spark on the grounds of safety.

It is believed the rule was brought in to prevent drivers from braking heavily on an in-lap, a practice done for the purpose of keeping tyre pressures at an adequate level, but one which also poses a risk to a driver closely following the slower car.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Ben Sulayem confident Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expects Formula 1 to conclude its 2026 season in Qatar…

10 hours ago

Formula 1 fuel flow dispute lands in court ahead of Austin GP

Formula 1’s battle over fuel flow monitoring has spilled into the courtroom, with former supplier…

12 hours ago

Barcelona lands 2027 IndyCar deal to fill F1 void

Barcelona has found a high-profile alternative to Formula 1 for 2027, with the Circuit de…

14 hours ago

Horner reveals ‘secret meeting’, Hamilton’s bid to join Red Bull

Christian Horner has revealed in his upcoming autobiography, Drive, that a “secret meeting” with Lewis…

15 hours ago

Another flying Swede gone way too soon

He wasn't as flamboyant behind the wheel of a racing car as his countryman Ronnie…

17 hours ago

Why Wolff isn’t counting on an Antonelli title in Austin

Kimi Antonelli could be just one race away from an extraordinary Formula 1 milestone, but…

18 hours ago