Jarno Trulli Gets 25 Second Penalty

Jarno Trulli who finished third in the Australian Grand Prix is being demoted 25 seconds for overtaking Lewis Hamilton under the safety car. Jarno Trulli was infront of Lewis Hamilton when the safety car was deployed but slid off the track letting Hamilton through. He then subsequently re took his place.

This action was deemed to be an infringement by the stewards and he was given a stop go penalty but as it was too late in the race 25 seconds has been added to his race time, placing him in 12th.

Trulli stated "I can't say how disappointed I am to finish third but have the result questioned. When the safety car came out towards the end of the race Lewis passed me but soon after he suddenly slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road. I thought he had a problem so I overtook him as there was nothing else I could do."

It would seem that this is a fair decision, if a little harsh. However with all the chaos going on during the safety car periods it isn't surprising miss understandings like this occur. It's a shame the cameras didn't catch it as we will probably never know exactly what went on.