Wickens loses best qualifying times

The Austrian-domiciled Toronto driver was adjudged to have received outside assistance after he diverted down the escape road at Mirabeau.

"The car was running and I had selected reverse gear, but it took time to find and engage it," he said. "I didn't need or request assistance. I saw in my mirrors the marshals running over and one of them grabbed my rear wing.

"I don't agree with the decision, but I have to live with it.

"Also, one of the marshals sent in a report that said I touched the wall, which I didn't. But there is no right to appeal, and the thing is they don't ask for our opinion. I could have shown them the data."

Wickens will now have to start tomorrow's race from 24th on the grid.

"It is extremely frustrating, but I will just have to manage the race as best as possible and try and get some points. I think the best thing that could happen is if the race starts dry and then there is a sudden downpour half-way through."