• Australian Grand Prix - Qualifying

Perez gets five-place grid penalty

ESPNF1 Staff
March 17, 2012 « Third 'a dream come true' for Grosjean | Webber targets podium after KERS problem in qualifying »
Sergio Perez had been in the top ten in Q1 but failed to set a time in Q2 © Sutton Images
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Sergio Perez will take a five-place grid penalty for tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix after an enforced gearbox change.

Perez did not set a lap time during the second part of qualifying after a gearbox failure prevented him from changing gear, confining him to the garage for all of Q2. Following an investigation in to the problem it was confirmed that the gearbox would need to be changed, resulting in the penalty that will relegate him from 17th to 22nd on the grid.

Speaking before it was announced that he'd take a grid penalty, Perez said he'd been confidence that he could challenge for a place in Q3.

"We made some set-up changes to the car today and in Q1 I was busy adapting my driving style a bit," Perez said. "In Q2 I knew exactly what to do but then I could not shift anymore because of a gearbox problem. It is a true shame as there was a lot more to come from the car and from myself. Starting from 17th will make it very difficult to get a good result on Sunday. I will do my best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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