Grid drop for Nikola Tsolov after bizarre clash with Alex Dunne in F3 practice
Nikola Tsolov will take a three-place grid penalty into the FIA Formula 3 sprint race in Australia after a clash with Alex Dunne in practice.
Nikola Tsolov and Alex Dunne colide during Formula 3 practice at the Australian Grand Prix. (F1TV)
Tsolov was on a push lap and impeded by the MP Motorsport driver, passing him before the pair collided at turn 10.
Tsolov told the stewards that “he wanted [Dunne] to be aware of his presence and that he was being impeded.”
“[He] deviated from his normal racing line to drive close to [Dunne] to highlight his presence,” according to the stewards, misjudging the action and causing a “completely avoidable collision.”
Tsolov told Feeder Series “I went to the left side and then I just felt a hit under my rear tyre.”
“I think it was just a bit of a misunderstanding, but nothing intentional from any side.”
Dunne received a reprimand for impeding the ART Grand Prix driver and admitted he was at fault for that.
“I didn’t see him behind me and I think I blocked his lap,” he told RACEWEEK from the paddock.
“I don’t know if he got annoyed or whatever, but then I think he ended up turning into me, putting me in the wall.”
Alex Dunne at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday. (Joe Portlock/Formula Motorsport Limited/Getty Images)
The crash triggered the G-force sensor in Dunne’s car, with a mandatory assessment in the medical centre at the Australian Grand Prix.
“I was completely fine,” said the Irish driver.
The FIA Formula 3 field takes to the Albert Park circuit for qualifying at 2pm, with Tsolov to take the three-place grid drop in the reverse-grid sprint race on Saturday.
Watch every race of the FIA Formula 3 season on Kayo Sports.
