NASCAR Cup Series

Schumacher penalized 5 places at Bahrain GP

Published Apr. 22, 2012 10:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has been penalized five grid places at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix after making an unscheduled gearbox change following qualifying on Saturday.

According to Formula One regulations, gearboxes are required to last five races.

The penalty is another setback for the Mercedes driver, who had qualified in lowly 17th place due to mechanical problems. He will now start in 22nd.

Williams driver Pastor Maldonado also was penalized five grid spots and will start 21st after making his gearbox change following Friday's practice sessions.