Grosjean hit with three-place grid penalty for impeding Norris

©Haas

Romain Grosjean has been demoted three spots on Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix grid, the Frenchman opening up the 2019 penalty record after impeding Lando Norris in qualifying.

Grosjean falls back from P8 to P11 as a result of "driving unnecessarily slowly and impeding car 4 (Lando Norris) in Turn 14.

The offence warranted a drop of 3 grid positions "in accordance with Article 31.4 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.

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Furthermore, Grosjean was given a penalty point, putting his 12-month tally at 8.

In his vain defense, Grosjean said that he had not advised by the team of the rapid approach of Norris, who was on a push lap.

"The speed differential was 136 km/h at the point where Norris had to take avoiding action," stated the Stewards' report.

"The stewards accepted that Grosjean did not intentionally intend to impede, however it is the driver's responsibility to be aware, when travelling abnormally slowly, that faster cars may be approaching."

Sebastian Vettel was also summoned to the Stewards' office after qualifying, with the Ferrari driver being investigated for driving too slowly on an in-lap. But no further action was taken.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.