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Raikkonen takes 5-place Japan GP penalty

Suzuka - Kimi Raikkonen became the latest driver to be handed a five-place grid penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix after Ferrari changed his gearbox following a crash in Saturday's practice.

The Finn smashed into a wall at the second 'Degner' curve at Suzuka while limbering up for afternoon qualifying, bringing out the red flags midway through the session.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas was also penalised five grid places after the Finn was forced to make a gearbox change to his car following Friday's practice.

Raikkonen damaged the left side of his car in the shunt, after which Ferrari mechanics opted to change the gearbox before qualifying.

Under Formula One rules, gearboxes must last for six consecutive races. Any changes before that automatically incur a five-place demotion on the starting grid.

Earlier, Fernando Alonso was hit with a 35-place grid penalty and will start Sunday's race from last place.

Renault's Jolyon Palmer will also start near back of the grid after getting a 20-place penalty for an engine change.

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