MOTOR SPORT/Hungarian Grand Prix: Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was handed a two second penalty for Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday 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 on Friday 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 Sunday's podium, and boosted Alonso's title hopes.
Briton Jenson Button suffered a 10 place penalty on the starting grid after pulling over with smoke and flames coming from his Honda's engine in Saturday's final free practice.
Red flags were brought out to allow marshals to clear oil from the track, leading to a 15-minute suspension of the session.
Honda confirmed they had replaced the engine, triggering the automatic penalty.