It’s raining penalties in Suzuka

PEPE ORIOLA IS DROPPED ON THE GRID

Spanish racer Pepe Oriola was given a 5-position grid penalty for tomorrow’s Race 1. The penalty was awarded following the SUNRED team applied for an engine change on Oriola’s León 1.6T.

The Spaniard, who crashed his car during Q1, will be demoted from 20th to 23rd.

TIMES DISALLOWED FOR TOSHI ARAI

Toshihiro Arai’s first taste of WTCC was quite bitter, as the Japanese rallyman had his qualifying times disallowed because he failed to stop at the weighing bridge.

Arai had qualified 16th with a lap of 54.195, but the penalty will drop him down to the bottom of the grid.

STEWARDS IMPOSE FINES ON FIVE DRIVERS

The Stewards of the meeting imposed a number of fines for different infringements committed during today’s sessions.

Masaki Kano was fined 1,000 euros for ignoring both the black-and-orange and the black flags, his countryman Yukinori Taniguchi 1,500 euros for overtaking under yellow flag and Darryl O’Young 450 euros for speeding in the pit lane.

Both, Fabiani and Oriola were sanctioned because of multiple infringements. The young Spaniard’s fine totalled to 2,100 euros for improving under yellow flags, crossing the white line at pit exit and speeding in the pit lane.

Fabiani’s toll was even more expensive: 4,000 euros for disrespect of the yellow, orange-and-black and black flags.