La Formula 3 is back on track for this second race weekend of the 2024 season. The session free tests ended early following the red flag caused by the collision between Nikola Tsolov and Alex Dunne. The FIA, after reviewing the footage and listening to both sides, awarded the driver the ART Grand Prix 3 place grid penalty. The penalty is controversial: because the disqualification for Tsolov did not arrive from the Australian GP of F3?
The accident between Tsolov and Dunne during free practice: here's what happened
3 minutes from the end of the free practice session, the Bulgarian driver undertook a crazy and dangerous maneuver. Nikola Tsolov hit the MP Motorsport team car, driven by Alex Dunne, pushing her against barriers.
This disconcerting gesture by the Alpine Academy pilot seems to be born in response to the immediate impediment moments before by Dunne himself. The Irishman's impediment would in fact forced Tsolov to abort his throwing lap. Fortunately both pilots remained unharmed, but what fuels the discussion is what happened afterwards.
F3: Tsolov saves himself with the penalty, but what a thrill in Australia
After the incident, i FIA Commissioners they reviewed the footage and listened to both drivers involved in the accident at turn 10. The Stewards determined that Tsolov's action, although involuntary, caused a collision that was certainly avoidable. There penalty assigned to the Bulgarian driver is 3 positionsi on the grid, to be served in the next race in which he takes part.
This sanction is at the center of discussion why deemed too light compared to the seriousness and danger of the maneuver performed by the 17 year old and the risk taken by Dunne. The FIA's decision leaves those who expected a disqualification for Tsolov perplexed and with a bitter taste in their mouths, especially in light of the statements of the driver who admitted: "I knew it was there, but then suddenly I heard the shot. I was on the racing line and didn't do anything strange".
