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Jean-Eric Vergne will drop ten places on the grid for the British Grand Prix after he was handed a double-penalty in Valencia.

The Toro Rosso driver was found to have caused an avoidable accident after he made contact with the Caterham of Heikki Kovalainen on lap 12 of the race.

Both cars sustained punctures in the incident.

"In view of the serious nature of the incident the Stewards have decided under Article 18.1 to apply two penalties," said the stewards in a statement.

Article 18.1 of the sporting rules states: "The stewards may inflict the penalties specifically set out in these Sporting Regulations in addition to or instead of any other penalties available to them under the Code."

Vergne, who retired from the race on lap 27, was given a 10-place grid penalty for the British Grand Prix and a 25,000 euro fine.