Bortoleto penalised following Sakhir Sprint Race

Gabriel Bortoleto has received a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Rafael Villagómez during today’s Sprint Race in Sakhir.

On the opening lap of the race, the Trident driver was behind Villagómez heading into Turn 4. After taking a tighter line than the Van Amersfoort Racing driver into the corner, Bortoleto caught up alongside him at the exit of the turn. With the Mexican driver remaining ahead approaching Turn 5, Villagómez moved over to the right-hand side, following the racing line into the corner.

As a result, Bortoleto’s front left wheel made contact with the right rear wheel of the #18 VAR car, causing Villagómez to lose control and spin. The Stewards found that the Trident driver failed to anticipate that Villagómez would move towards him to follow the racing line. Additionally, they deemed that Villagómez had left ample room to his right-hand side for Bortoleto to move to avoid the collision.

The Brazilian racer had finished the opening race of the season in 12th but drops to 19th in the final classification.