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Semerad excluded from GB results

Technical infringement costs Estonian third place in the Production championship

By Franck Drui

14 November 2011 - 11:19

PWRC front runner Martin Semerad has been stripped of his second place finish on Wales Rally GB after an investigation on Sunday night found his car broke technical regulations.

At post-event scrutineering the Czech’s Mitsubishi Lancer was found to be fitted with front upper suspension plates that did not comply with the car’s homologation form.

Semerad and his team’s technical chief Ivan Matousek appeared in front of the Stewards on Sunday night and apologised for not checking the components when they said were received from a supplier. However FIA officials decided that the team was responsible for the error and excluded Semerad from the event.

Semerad’s no-score promoted Michal Kosciuszko into second place in Wales - a remarkable recovery for the Pole who retired his Mitsubishi Lancer on Friday night with an electrical problem.

Kosciusko also moves ahead of Semerad in the final 2011 Production Car World Rally Championship standings - taking third overall, 12 points adrift of second-placed Patrik Flodin.