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Esteban Gutierrez will drop three places from wherever he qualifies at the German Grand Prix as punishment for colliding with Pastor Maldonado at the British Grand Prix.

Gutierrez was trying to pass Maldonado at Vale at the same time as the Lotus was attempting to overtake Jules Bianchi's Marussia. The two made contact, puncturing Gutierrez's front right tyre and launching Maldonado into the air.

"Having viewed all the video available and having heard from the drivers, the stewards determined that the driver of Car 21 [Gutierrez] was predominantly at fault, causing the collision at Turn 16 between him and the driver of Car 13 [Maldonado)."

However, Gutierrez felt Maldonado did not give him enough space.

"After the restart I was fighting with Pastor," he said. "When I tried to overtake him in turn 16 he braked and did not leave me enough space. I was already beside him and could not avoid a collision with him. I feel very sorry for the team, as this is not the way a race should end. However, we have to look forward to the next races."

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