Hulkenberg hit with pitlane start after Renault regulation breach

The FIA has ordered Nico Hulkenberg to start this afternoon's Spanish Grand Prix from the pitlane following the Renault driver's exclusion from qualifying for a regulation breach.

Renault fitted a different specification front wing to Hulkenberg's R.S.19 in Q1 yesterday after the German hit the barriers at Turn 4.

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However, the French outfit failed to report the change of specification, an infringement that left FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer with no other choice but to report the regulation breach to the Spanish Grand Prix stewards on Sunday morning.

"The Stewards reviewed the evidence from the Technical Delegate and sought clarification from the Team Sporting Director," read the stewards' report.

"The Sporting Director advised that the Team’s opinion was that the front wing main plane was 'similar' to the one it replaced.

"However the Team was willing to accept the view of the FIA Technical Delegate that the front wing is of a different specification from the one used during qualifying.

"Accordingly, the Stewards determine that the competitor is required to start the race from the pit lane."

In light of Hulkenberg's penalty, Renault have taken the opportunity to fit an all-new power unit to his car, at no additional cost for the German.

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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.