Hulkenberg set for gearbox grid penalty

Nico Hulkenberg is set to incur a five-place grid drop for the Russian Grand Prix after a gearbox change.

Formula 1's regulations demand that drivers use their gearbox for six consecutive events, but Force India driver Hulkenberg, who finished 12th on Friday's combined timesheets at Sochi, has made the swap in advance of this.

"The driver [Hulkenberg] did finish the last race in Suzuka and this gearbox change was before the six consecutive events expired. Therefore this is not in compliance with Article 28.6a of the 2014 Formula One Sporting Regulations," read a note issued by FIA Formula One Technical Delegate Jo Bauer on Friday evening.

Hulkenberg finished on countback at Suzuka, despite stopping at the end of the pits as the race was red flagged.