Post-Race Penalty Promotes Peroni to Podium after Stripping Smoylar
Aleksandr Smolyar has been stripped of his first FIA Formula 3 race victory, with David Beckmann inheriting the win, Clement Novalak promoted to second, and Aussie Alex Peroni joining the podium.
Alex Peroni celebrates his promotion to third-place in the FIA Formula 3 outing at Silverstone. (Image: Supplied)
Smolyar was warned by his team to stop weaving as a defensive move against the chasing pack, and a post-race investigation found he was in breach of the sporting regulations—with the stewards issuing the Russian driver a five-second penalty.
A statement from the stewards stated: "Car 8 made abnormal changes of direction between Turns 14 & 15.”
This demotes Smolyar to P6, and promotes David Beckmann to the race win.
Australian Alex Peroni was promoted to third position - his second podium so far this year.
“It was good to be top six in qualifying and the first race, and finish the weekend with a podium,” Peroni said.
“The second race was close all the way, but I really couldn’t have finished any higher. It’s very hard to overtake in dirty air when the driver in front also has DRS (Drag Reduction System), unless he makes a mistake.”
“But this weekend I had the car speed to take advantage of any overtaking opportunities. We made progress throughout the weekend with a good step forward in race 2.”
“We can still improve, and I hope we can keep that going in the remaining rounds.”
“Thanks to Campos Racing and my sponsors and supporters for their ongoing support.”
