Last updated on .From the section Formula 1

Horner surprised by Ricciardo exclusion

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo has been excluded from the Australian Grand Prix after breaching fuel consumption rules.

The Australian, 24, crossed the line second, behind race winner Nico Rosberg of Mercedes in Melbourne.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, has installed a fuel-flow sensor in each car to ensure teams do not exceed the maximum fuel-flow rate of 100kg/h.

Stewards said Ricciardo's car exceeded the rate "consistently". Red Bull say they will appeal.

McLaren's Kevin Magnussen has been promoted to second with his team-mate Jenson Button moving up to third.

Highlights: Rosberg wins in Australia

But Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted the team had complied with the regulations, adding that the fuel sensors have caused problems since their introduction.

"I'm extremely disappointed, quite surprised and we will of course appeal," said Horner.

"Hopefully through the appeal process, it will be clear the car has conformed at all times with the regulations and we have complied with technical regulations.

quote Since their introduction, there have been discrepancies and the sensors have been unreliable

"We could see a significant discrepancy with what the sensor was reading and what our fuel flow was stated as - that's where there's a difference of opinion.

"These fuel-flow sensors, which have been fitted by the FIA to measure fuel, have proved problematic.

"Since their introduction, there have been discrepancies and the sensors have been unreliable."

Horner said they had an issue with the sensor "through Friday practice" and were given a replacement that "failed during qualifying".

"We were asked to put the one we used on Friday back on the car and apply an offset," he said.

Ricciardo shines ahead of home race

"We could see a significant discrepancy with what the sensor was reading and what our fuel flow was stated as. We didn't feel it was correct."

Ricciardo's podium would have been the first of his career and came on his debut with Red Bull.

The Australian replaced Mark Webber following promotion from the outfit's junior team Toro Rosso.

The sport has introduced a host of new rules this season, including a limit of no more than 100kg for a race distance and a maximum fuel-flow rate.

Teams were warned before the race that violations would lead to disqualifications.

Full Australian Grand Prix race results

Details for BBC coverage of the 2014 F1 season