[TorryJens]

**Trulli was originally classified third but had 25s added to his race time for passing under the safety car.**

It's not over yet.....

Toyota appeal against Trulli demotion

20:13 BST, Sun 29 Mar 2009

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By Julian Linden
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Toyota lodged a protest after their Italian driver Jarno Trulli was relegated from third to 12th place at Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
Trulli was given a 25-second penalty by stewards for overtaking Lewis Hamilton while the safety car was on the track in the final few laps at Melbourne's Albert Park.
"It's sad that this result has been questioned," the Japanese team's principal Tadashi Yamashina said.
"We have filed an appeal to give us more time to study the data and the situation."
Trulli said he only passed Hamilton because he thought the Briton's McLaren car had broken down.
"When the safety car came out towards the end of the race Lewis Hamilton passed me but soon after he suddenly slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road," the Italian said.
"I thought he had a problem so I overtook him as there was nothing else I could do."
Trulli's demotion completed a roller-coaster weekend for Toyota, who were one of three teams subjected to protests from rivals over the legality of their cars.
They were cleared to race after a six-hour hearing on Friday but ran foul of officials the following day.
Trulli and his German team mate Timo Glock qualified eighth and sixth for the race but were ordered to start from the pit lane after stewards ruled their cars breached regulations because their upper rear wing elements were too flexible.
Trulli fought his way up to fifth place nearing the end of Sunday's race but suddenly found himself up in third when Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica collided, forcing the safety car to come out.
"I can't say how disappointed I am to finish third but have the result questioned," he said.
"The fact we were able to fight for the podium despite starting from the pit lane is down to the team."
Glock also worked his way through the field to finish fifth but was elevated to fourth after his team mate was penalised.
"To be fighting at the front like that after we started from the pit lane really shows the strong performance we have," Glock said.
"This is proof that our car has real pace."
(To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)