Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Jules Bianchi has been penalised and reprimanded for impeding Paul di Resta during qualifying for the Korean Grand Prix.

Force India driver di Resta expressed his anger over the radio at the end of Q1 after feeling Bianchi had not got out of the way while he was completing his final flying lap.

Despite the incident, di Resta made it to Q2 while Bianchi's Marussia was knocked out.

The stewards deemed Bianchi had obstructed di Resta, however, and handed him a three-place grid penalty and a reprimand.

"The driver of car #22 (on an out-lap) was given a radio warning of the approach of car #14 (on a fast lap) but decided to stay on line to start his own flying lap," said a stewards' statement.

"The stewards consider that car #22 could have safely allowed car #14 to pass before starting his flying lap."

Bianchi, who had qualified in 21st, will now start last.

Di Resta qualified in 15th place and said the incident with Bianchi had also cost him time in Q2.

"He affected my lap and unfortunately I think it cost me a little in Q2 as I didn't have the confidence to put the front wing on that I needed to based on the insight I had with the car before hand," said di Resta.

"At the end of the day we got through, but if it had cost us getting through into Q2 it would have obviously been a downward turn."