Schumacher suffers same penalty as Alonso

BUDAPEST, Aug 5 (Reuters) Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was handed a two second penalty for Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying today that put Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso back on level terms.

Stewards said in a statement that the German, winner of the last three races, was punished for overtaking two cars under a red warning flag suspending the morning's final practice session.

Spaniard Alonso, 11 points clear of Schumacher in the championship with six races remaining, was given a two second penalty yesterday for dangerous driving and for ignoring a yellow warning flag.

Schumacher's penalty restored parity between both title contenders, opening the prospect of neither appearing on tomorrow's podium, and boosted Alonso's title hopes.

REUTERS AY BST1802