Perez gets five-place grid penalty at F1 Third Practice Session

Force India’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez will have a five-place grid penalty for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe in Baku following a gearbox change ahead of qualifying.

The Mexican hit the wall at the tricky Turn 15 in the final seconds of the F1 Third Practice Session, badly damaging the rear end of the car.

While the bodywork and suspension can easily be replaced, the worst aspect was that the impact broke Perez’s gearbox – forcing the need for a replacement.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo also crashed his car on the same turn June 17.

Azerbaijan is hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe for the first time. The event started on June 17 and will end on June 19. The Baku circuit, which is slightly over six kilometers, will have the racers to go 51 laps. Overall, 11 teams, two drivers in each, will compete in the race.

The specially constructed street circuit will see F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city – Icheri Sheher historical-architectural reserve – as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade.