Bianchi penalised, loses pole position

The ART driver contested the charge, but will now start sixth after an automatic docking of five places on the grid for his infringement.

The stewards received marshals' reports of Bianchi blocking rivals after setting fastest time in Saturday's pole position shootout and also heard evidence from Roberto Merhi (Manor), Prema Powerteam team-mates Stefano Coletti and Basil Shaaban, and Dutchman Renger van der Zande (Hitech), who complained of Bianchi weaving and ruining their laps.

Van der Zande, who was within two tenths of ART's pace in first qualifying, before losing eight tenths in the shootout and winding up on row five, said: "Bianchi was all over the track and completely ruined my qualifying.

"For sure, we chose the wrong strategy but ART knew I was quick and when I came through on a good lap first time, [Bianchi's ART team-mate Valtteri] Bottas was there and then Bianchi too. What can you do?"

Bianchi's penalty promotes Bottas to pole position and fellow Finn Mika Maki (Signature) to the front row. Merhi, Coletti and Jean Karl Vernay (Signature) also move up one place each on today's grid.