Ocon penalized on the starting grid for the Japanese GP

The starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix will undergo a significant modification. Initially qualified eighth following qualifying, Esteban Ocon (Racing Point Force India) received three place penalties on Saturday evening.

According to the college of commissioners, the Frenchman did not respect the red flag procedure during the third free practice session on Saturday morning, brandished after the accident Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) in the first sector.

Hulk Smash

Can Renault get their man fixed up in time for Qualifying?#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/rCkjIGZ7jJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) 6th October, 2018

According to video clips, GPS data and on-board telemetry, Esteban Ocon did not slow down enough at this point. However, after passing turn 4, “beeps” sounded on the Frenchman's radio, suggesting that the car wasn't going fast enough on the circuit.

The pilot therefore increased the pace slightly. The data noted that he exceeded the maximum authorized passage delta in three mini-sectors (the S bends). To put it simply, he went too quickly, which the person concerned admitted.

Esteban Ocon also receives two penalty points on his F1 license for a period of 12 months, his first two points withdrawn this year.

Result, Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) wins a place for the start of the Japanese Grand Prix; the German will start eighth. Esteban Ocon will start 11th, behind Sergio Pérez (9th), and Charles Leclerc (10e).