Van der Garde loses pole position

Following an eventful qualifying session today in Monaco, the stewards have handed three drivers penalties for causing a collision.

Romain Grosjean rode over teammate’s Pal Varhaug at Rascasse in the closing stages of the session. The Frenchman was handed a five grid position penalty. Although he did not set a laptime inside the 107%, the Dams driver has been allowed to race tomorrow as he set a suitable time during today’s practice session. He will start from last position.

Also guilty of causing a collision was Marcus Ericsson who found the rear of teammate’s Sam Bird’s car at the swimming pool. The Swede was also handed a five grid position penalty and will now start from P20.

Lastly, today’s quickest man Giedo van der Garde was also handed a five grid position penalty for causing a collision early in the session with Oliver Turvey. The Barwa Addax man will start tomorrow P6.

Consequently, Sam Bird was promoted to Pole position – his first of the season – while Davide Valsecchi will start from front row.