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Sauber has been fined €20,000 after Nico Hulkenberg blocked Max Chilton during final free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Although Hulkenberg did all he could to get out of Chilton's way towards the end of the session, and Marussia was not too upset, the stewards were unhappy that Sauber had given its driver incorrect information.

A statement from the officials said: "The team of car #11 [Hulkenberg] advised him by radio that car #23 [Chilton] was on a 'cool down' lap.

"Car #11 was preparing for a fast lap when the driver realised car #23 was immediately behind him and tried his best to give car #23 the apex.

"The team of car #23 does not believe the incident amounted to illegitimately impeding.

"However, whilst the driver of car #11 is not found to be in breach of article 16.1(g) [for impeding], we determined the team to be responsible for the incident, which was potentially dangerous, by issuing an incorrect message."

Hulkenberg qualified seventh for the Suzuka race, while Chilton outpaced his back-of-the-grid rivals to take 19th.