Maleka is penalised again

The Nexa Racing driver was forced to pit with a slow puncture and rejoined ahead of the third-placed car of title rival Charlie Kimball. Despite being black flagged in the closing laps for ignoring blue flags, Makela remained on track. Kimball eventually finished seventh

Sep 2, 2004, 11:49 AM

Rivals accused Makela of slowing Kimball and interfering with the lead battle between Joe D'Agostino and Charlie Donnelly, who were in first and second when he left the pits. Donnelly went on to win the race, while D'Agostino fell back to finish in second position.

Team JLR boss Richard Dean said: "A race exclusion isn't enough. This time he cost Joe D'Agostino the lead and put Kimball down to seventh."

Nexa team owner Andy Kidby said: "We just sent him back out to score points. If anyone is guilty of anything it's the officials for letting him back out."

But penalising Makela was further complicated because he is racing on a Finnish licence. That means it can only be endorsed by his home authority on the recommendation of British organisers.