F1 driver disqualified from Bahrain GP

Nico Hulkenberg has officially been disqualified from the Bahrain Grand Prix after his Stake car failed post-race inspections from the FIA. All cars are subject to technical scrutiny after the chequered flag to ensure they comply with the regulations. However, it was found the German's car had sustained excessive wear to the plank, an identical issue which saw Lewis Hamilton disqualified in China last month.  To comply with article 3.5.9.e of the technical regulations, the three measurement points of the plank must measure 9 mm. Hulkenberg ended the race in 13th place but has now been outcast from the final classification. “The plank assembly of Car 27 was measured and found to be 8.4mm (LHS), 8.5mm (car centerline) and 8.4mm (RHS),” a statement from the stewards read.  “This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 e) of the Technical Regulations. “During the hearing the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. The team also acknowledged that it was a genuine error by the team. “The Stewards determine that Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.”