Melbourne, March 16 (IANS) Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo has been excluded from the Australian Grand Prix results of the season opening Formula 1 race after his second-place finishing car was found to be run with too high a fuel flow rate here Sunday.
The international automobile federation (FIA) stewards found the 24-year-old’s car to have breached fuel regulations. Each team has to ensure that their car do not exceed the maximum fuel flow rate of 100 kg/h.
Red Bull immediately announced that they will be appealing the decision.
“Following the decision of the FIA that Red Bull Racing is in breach of Article 3.2 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and Article 5.1.4 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations with Car 3, the Team has notified the FIA of its intention to appeal with immediate effect,” said a Red Bull statement.
“Inconsistencies with the FIA fuel flow meter have been prevalent all weekend up and down the pit lane. The team is confident the fuel supplied to the engine is in full compliance with the regulations.”
The second position was the Australian’s first ever podium finish that too at his home race. Third place Kevin Magnussen of McLaren will inherit the spot while his teammate and former World Champion Jenson Button will be third.