Magnussen excluded after dominant victory at Paul Ricard

Unlike NASCAR where cheaters always keep their race win, in other forms of motorsports cheaters have their victory stripped from them.

Despite yesterday's dominant victory at Paul Ricard, Kevin Magnussen actually enters today's second Formula Renault 3.5 race with a reduced point lead after being excluded for a technical infraction.

At the finish of the race yesterday, the Danish McLaren Young Driver Development Program member had a 46-point lead, in other words he was just five points away from the title. Renault Sport scrutineers made a point of asking to check the flap of the DRS on car no. 20 post-race.

After inspection this element was judged not to comply with the regulations. Since the 2012 season after permanent consultation with the Renault Sport Organization, Magnussen's team DAMS has been using the same DRS flap. Even though the team supplied emails as proof of their technical discussions with the Renault Sport management on this subject, the stewards nonetheless maintained their decision.

DAMS is appealing against this decision as the paint on the flap was agreed by Renault Sport without any additional clarifications on the quality of the paint to be used. During these discussions with Renault Sport, DAMS put forward suggestions to avoid any form of interpretation on this point.

DAMS has taken due note of this decision and remains more determined than ever to win the 2013 title in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.

Magnussen set the pole, led from lights to flag and set the fastest lap in yesterday's race. He now has an 18 point lead in the championship with three races remaining.