• German Grand Prix - Qualifying

Perez penalised five places for blocking

ESPN Staff
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Sergio Perez will start from 17th place after blocking Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen © Sutton Images
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Sergio Perez has been handed a five-place grid penalty for blocking during qualifying for the German Grand Prix.

Having originally qualified in 12th place, Perez will now start 17th following the decision to penalise him. The punishment is for blocking both Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen during the Q2 session as rain fell - with Raikkonen particularly vocal over his team radio over the incident - and the stewards explained it had taken the action due to Perez having twice impeded other drivers.

"The penalty was imposed due to the driver being involved in two similar offences in the same session" the stewards' decision read.

Speaking before he was made aware of the penalty, Perez said the rain had ruined his chances of a competitive grid position.

"It is such a shame," Perez said. "It looked really promising for us until the rain set in. After I changed to soft tyres I ended up second fastest in Q1. Then we went out late on intermediates in Q2 and I was stuck in traffic. I had cars in front of me, but could not back off as there were some behind me as well."

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