Heikki Kovalainen penalized by five places on the grid for the next race in Malaysia

Heikki Kovalainen will lose five places on the starting grid for the Malaysian Grand Prix after being penalized after the race in Australia.

The Caterham driver, who withdrew from the Melbourne race, violated article 40,8 of the sporting regulations.

The rules say a driver cannot overtake another car until they have crossed the finish line when the safety car returns to the pits.

Kovalainen overtook two cars earlier and will therefore lose five places on the grid at Sepang.

Kovalainen wrote on Twitter: “tough day today, never mind. It was one of those races that happen sometimes, the stewards' sanction for the next race was a bit harsh, but unfortunately this is life!”