Farfus, Michelisz, Tarquini, Girolami and Haglöf penalised for driving too slow

Augusto Farfus, Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini, Néstor Girolami and Daniel Haglöf have been penalised for “driving unnecessarily slow” during the second free practice session at Suzuka.

All five drivers have been given a three-place grid drop for the first World Touring Car Cup race of the weekend, one penalty point and a fine of €500.

A statement from the stewards read:

“Alledged driving unnecessarily slow on the track in S3 in Line (cars 1, 5, 8, 29, 37). Speed was 26-30 km/h and creating a potentially dangerous situation.”

The penalties drops Girolami from third to sixth, Tarquini from sixth to ninth, Michelisz from 14th to 17th, Farfus from 23rd to 26th, while Haglöf will remain in 29th and last position on the grid for the first race.