Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Aron disqualified from Yas Marina Sprint Race, will start Feature from pit lane

Following the conclusion of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race in Yas Marina, Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Paul Aron has been disqualified from the results.

A post-race report by the FIA Technical Delegate indicated that the DRS actuator of Car #17 had been modified, in breach of Article 1.5.2 of the FIA F2 Technical Regulations.

It was determined that the DRS actuator had been modified to extend the length by one millimetre, allowing a wider opening of the DRS wing, therefore breaching Article 1.5.2 of the FIA F2 Technical Regulations.

As such, Car #17 has been disqualified from the results of the Sprint Race, the standard penalty for a technical infringement. In this case however, there is a strong presumption that the team was aware of the non-conformity of the part (or at least should have been, if they had exercised due diligence).

As such an offence can only be committed by a deliberate act to modify the part in question, the Stewards consider that an additional penalty for the disqualification of Car #17 from Race 1 is appropriate. Article 12.4.6 of the FIA International Sporting Code gives the Stewards the authority to impose an additional penalty.

In view of the seriousness and nature of the offence, the Stewards consider it appropriate that in addition to the disqualification from the Sprint Race, Car #17 should start from the pit lane for the Feature Race.

As a result, DAMS Lucas Oil’s Dino Beganovic is therefore promoted to P3 and achieves his first Formula 2 podium. This also means that Jak Crawford moved up to eighth place and takes the final point.

Isack Hadjar moves up to fifth in the final classification meaning he now trails Gabriel Bortoleto by just four and half points going into the final Feature Race of the season.