Ricciardo given three-place grid penalty in Melbourne

Daniel Ricciardo has been given a three-place grid penalty for ther Australian Grand Prix after failing to slow down enough when red flags were brought out in Friday's second practice session. The session was stopped while the Red Bull man was on his flying qualifying simulation lap.

Red flags were brought out after a wire was spotted poking out of the track surface on the pit straight.

Ricciardo was on a flying lap, but had to slow down and he came into the pits immediately.

But the Australian has regardless been punished by the FIA for failing to "stay above the minimum time set by the FIA ECU under the red flag".

An FIA statement appeared to acknowledge that punishment was harsh on Ricciardo.

"The Stewards thoroughly reviewed the breach and found that the driver slowed significantly, such that no danger was created, and that the driver proceeded with due care," the statement read.

Tough news for our Aussie who has received a three place grid penalty for a red flag violation. Expect a fired up #HoneyBadger this weekend! ???? #AusGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/zRihCCZ4Y8 — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 23, 2018

"The Stewards therefore are imposing a lesser penalty than usual, and impose a three grid-place penalty and two penalty points."

Ricciardo has never taken to the podium at his home race. He was disqualified after finishing second in 2014 and retired after starting from the pit lane last year.

Red Bull are widely tipped to challenge for the win on Sunday, with Max Verstappen the closest to Lewis Hamilton in practice.