Daniel Juncadella apologises for Nurburgring Formula 3 Euro Series start clash with Felix Rosenqvist

From pole position, Prema Powerteam driver Juncadella moved across to the right at the start to cut off the advancing Mucke Motorsport car of Rosenqvist; forcing his rival to use the pit exit to avoid the grass.

As Rosenqvist tried to blend back into the racetrack, the pair made contact with the Mucke car being forced into the Armco; albeit sustaining only minor damage.

A new rule introduced this year states that on the first lap, a driver must leave at least one car's width between themselves and the track limit to reduce the chances of wheel-to-wheel contact. Juncadella was judged to have broken this rule and was given a drive-through penalty.

After the race, which he did not finish, the championship leader was also given a 10-place grid penalty, suspended for three races.

"It's my fault. I didn't give him enough room," Juncadella said. "When I went to the right I thought I'd given him enough space, but then I was looking in the mirrors when he was in the pit exit, so I didn't see him. He's having a tough time, so he wanted to win and didn't lift. I'm very sorry for him and me.

"I've barely had a penalty in my life before this year, and now I've had four drive-throughs and two exclusions."

Rosenqvist, who lies sixth in the championship and was looking for his first win of the year, said: "It's a shame because he's one of my best friends in this championship.

"Under new rules for this year, you are supposed to leave one car width at the start. I knew this, so I expected him to give me the gap; that's why I didn't lift. It ruined what was a good weekend for me until then."

The Euro Series continues this weekend at Zandvoort.