British Grand Prix: Copse out for drivers trying to steal some time

London: Drivers risk being penalised and losing their lap times if they run off track onto kerbs at Copse Corner during Saturday`s qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

The drivers were warned of a `zero tolerance` approach on Saturday morning after many had taken advantage of a wide run-off area to gain an advantage by using the kerbs to maintain their momentum.

Copse is a high speed corner that was once the first in the track`s former configuration.

In a note sent to teams on Saturday, F1 race director Charlie Whiting said abuse of the track limits there would not be allowed.

"We will be adopting a `zero tolerance` approach to cars leaving the track on the exit of turn 9 during qualifying," he said.

"Unless we are satisfied that a driver left the track at this point for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every lap time achieved by leaving the track will be deleted."

Referring to Sunday`s race, he added: "Any driver who appears to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track at turn 9, or who repeatedly leaves the track at this corner, will be reported to the stewards."