Rosberg in hot water over slow lap

Nico Rosberg was called to see the stewards at the British Grand Prix and could be hit with a grid penalty for taking an unduly slow lap during qualifying on Saturday.

Nico Rosberg is alleged to have breached the sporting regulations for lapping in a leisurely two minutes and 26.444 seconds during the first qualifying session.

Nico Rosberg was called to see the stewards at the British Grand Prix and could be hit with a grid penalty for taking an unduly slow lap during qualifying on Saturday.

The world championship-leading Mercedes driver is alleged to have breached the sporting regulations for lapping in a leisurely two minutes and 26.444 seconds during the first qualifying session.

The German, who went on to qualify second behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton, may face a grid penalty, a reprimand or a fine.

Motorsport's ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), said Rosberg exceeded the permitted maximum time between two safety car lines at the start of Q1.

FIA race director Charlie Whiting sent the teams a note on Friday stating that the permitted maximum time was one minute and 45 seconds.

The rule is to help reduce the risk of accidents caused by slow drivers interfering with others on fast laps.