Formula One: Alonso Handed Penalty

Fernando Alonso's world championship prospects received a body blow yesterday when the Spanish driver incurred a draconian penalty for brake-testing Red Bull Racing's third driver Robert Doornbos during free practice for the Hungarian grand prix.

Alonso, pictured, will have two seconds added to his best time in today's three qualifying sessions, a handicap which will almost certainly consign him to the second half of the 22-car starting grid, effectively wiping out all chances of victory on this tight track where overtaking is difficult at the best of times.

Doornbos led Alonso's Renault out on to the startfinish straight but Alonso judged that the Dutchman had deliberately blocked him and swerved in front of him at the next corner.

The two men later shook hands but the stewards reviewed video evidence and concluded that Alonso had gestured at Doornbos, swerving and crowding his car before slowing unacceptably in front of him.

He was also punished for overtaking a rival when yellow flags were waved to indicate a hazard, an offence he committed near the end of the session. Renault last night ruled out an appeal.

Kimi Raikkonen had set the fastest time in his McLaren-Mercedes, coming to grips with unusual conditions as the Hungaroring track temperatures stayed in the mid-20s C rather than the mid-50s usually experienced at this time of year.

Alonso's lead is down to 11 points after three consecutive wins for Michael Schumacher, now the favourite for tomorrow's race after performing well in practice.

The Spaniard said his hand gesture was to remind Doornbos to use his mirrors. "What happened is the same thing that happens in every race and in the test sessions when you lap someone," he said. "The slower cars take so long and they don't look in the mirror too much. When you overtake them you always do something to say look in the mirror - and this time it seems that it is really important."

Race stewards said Alonso's actions were "unnecessary, unacceptable and dangerous" and they added in a statement:

"Alonso caused his car to slow to an unusual and unexpected degree, causing Doornbos to take avoiding action."