Teen driver Nikola Tsolov accused of deliberately hitting F3 rival

A 17-year-old driver in the Formula 3 category has been penalised for a wild move during practice ahead of the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Teenage Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov has been penalised over a hugely dangerous incident during F3 practice at Albert Park.

Tsolov, who is a part of Alpine F1’s junior academy, was on a fast lap when he encountered fellow youngster Alex Dunne weaving side to side attempting to warm-up his tyres.

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The 18-year-old Irishman initially seemed to block Tsolov and forced the Bulgarian to brake and he didn’t take kindly to the move, quickly catching Dunne and moving off his racing line, forcing the MP Motorsport driver into the wall.

“I don’t know what on earth (Tsolov) was thinking there,” commentator Chris McCarthy said.

“That was incredibly dangerous driving … I’m not too sure what on earth that was all about.

“I think the pictures almost spoke for themselves there.”

Tsolov, who is just 17, attempted to explain his actions later, stating there was “nothing intentional” in his move.

Tsolov moves into Dunne’s line (right) and the result (left). Photos: Twitter

“I was a bit confused. I arrived on a push lap and I think (Dunne) was weaving, so I didn’t know where to go to get past him because he was on a cool lap or something,” Tsolov told Feeder Series.

“I went to the left side and then I just felt a hit under my rear tyre. So I think it was just a bit of a misunderstanding, but nothing intentional from any side.

“I think it was just a bit unfortunate.”

He also tried to state there would be no point in trying to race the Irishman during a practice session.

“I knew he was there, but then I suddenly just felt the hit. I didn’t do anything strange. I was just on the racing line,” Tsolov said.

Alex Dunne of Ireland and MP Motorsport greets fans in Melbourne. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“I have no intention against him. There’s nothing to win in a practice session, so I wouldn’t do something like that.”

After reviewing the incident, the Formula 3 series released a statement that Tsolov had been handed a three-place grid penalty, which oddly will be served “in the next race when he competes”, not in Melbourne.

“The ART Grand Prix driver collided with Alex Dunne on the run down to Turn 10, with the MP Motorsport racer ending up in the barriers near the end of the session, resulting in a Red Flag and bringing an early end to Practice,” the statement read.

“After examining video evidence and listening to both drivers and Team Representatives, the Stewards determined the actions of Tsolov, while unintended, caused a collision that was completely avoidable and therefore imposed a grid drop in accordance with previous precedent.

Nikola Tsolov of Bulgaria and ART Grand Prix racing. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“Dunne has also been reprimanded for his part in the incident by the Stewards after it was adjudged that he unnecessarily impeded Tsolov and potentially may have affected his lap.”

Dunne, who was cleared of injury, conceded he had baulked the Bulgarian, sparking the reaction.

“At the beginning it was my mistake,” he said. “I was weaving, warming the tyres to set up my next push lap. I didn’t see him behind me and I think I blocked his lap.

“After that, I pulled out of the way and then I don’t know if he got annoyed or whatever, but then I think he ended up turning into me, putting me in the wall.

“I wasn’t told he was there, but it’s my fault, not the team’s. I should be looking in the mirror.

Young F3 driver Nikola Tsolov on Twitter.

“I guess he got annoyed and overreacted a little bit.”

There was a damning reaction on social media to the incident.

“Horrific behaviour by Tsolov in F3 Practice. Intentionally crashed out Alex Dunne,” was one comment.

“This is completely unacceptable, I don’t care if Alex Dunne impeded Tsolov, immaturity at it’s finest,” wrote another.

“Should be banned from the sport for life. That could have ended much worse!” added a third.

The Formula 3 and Formula 2 series are on the undercard to this weekend’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

In qualifying later on Friday, Trident’s Leonardo Fornaroli took pole position, beating rival Gabriele Mini for the top spot in Melbourne.

Mini’s PREMA Racing teammate Dino Beganovic will start third.

Tsolov qualified in sixth place, while Dunne finished 17th of the 30 drivers in the field.