Force India cars qualify 12th, 13th for Russian GP

Nico Hulkenberg

Sochi, Oct 11 (IANS) Force India drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez set almost identical times to qualify 12th and 13th, respectively, for the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom here Saturday.

However, their starting grid positions are likely to change as Hulkenberg, McLaren's Kevin Magnussen and Marussia's Max Chilton will drop five places following unscheduled gearbox changes on their cars.

F1 sporting regulations require a driver to use no more than one gearbox for six consecutive events.

Hulkenberg's box had to be changed after his retirement at the last round in Japan.

Lotus' Pastor Maldonado also heads into the race Sunday with a five-place penalty. The Venezuelan was penalised 10 grid spots at the last round for an unscheduled engine change, but was only able to use five of those in Japan, carrying the remainder into the Russian weekend.

Meanwhile, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton took pole from teammate Nico Rosberg while Williams' Valtteri Bottas will start third.