Australian GP: Major Formula 2 teams penalized for rule violations on eve of season opener

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

MELBOURNE -- Just before the start of the new season at the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 2 has been shaken by a testing scandal.

Three teams—DAMS, Rodin, and Trident—have been penalized for illegally modifying the diffuser of their cars and adding air pressure sensors during a preseason test in Barcelona. These actions violated several FIA Sporting and Technical Regulations.

The drivers involved are Jak Crawford (DAMS), Christian Mansell and Alex Dunne (Rodin), and Max Exterson (Trident). Each team has been fined €10,000 per car, and the drivers will face 10-place grid penalties in the two F2 races this weekend in Australia.

As a further consequence, the infringing teams will only be allowed to participate in two of the three days at an upcoming test in Bahrain, while other teams will be permitted to use similar devices for the full test duration.

The FIA stated, "It should be at the discretion of the championship promoter to determine which day they will be prevented from running."

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