Vettel facing F1 inquiry

Sebastian Vettel is under investigation by Formula One’s governing body after he deliberately collided with title rival Lewis Hamilton in Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Four-time champion Vettel was punished with a 10-second stop-andgo penalty during the chaotic race after he banged wheels with Hamilton during a second safety car period.

Vettel, 29, faced accusations of bringing the sport into disrepute and the FIA said it will determine whether it now needs to take any further action against the championship leader. Ian Poulter hopes a return to next year’s Ryder Cup venue can spark a rise up the world rankings which could lead to playing seven tournaments in succession this summer.

Poulter has never missed the cut in 11 appearances in the HNA Open de France at Le Golf National, which will host the biennial contest between Europe and the United States, in which Poulter has often been a key figure, in September next year.

The 41-year-old was third in 2006 and 2009 and fourth in 2012 and needs similarly good performances in his next three starts to claim one of the nine available places at Royal Birkdale through the Open qualifying series.

Moving into the world’s top 50 from his current position of 81st

“Got to manage how I prepare. Hopefully I can go on a run”

would also secure a place in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational ahead of the final major of the year, the US PGA championship at Quail Hollow.

“I’ve spent a good couple of weeks back home resting, preparing to come into the series of events right here, which is quite important,” said Poulter, who was second in the US tournament players championship at Sawgrass in May. “This is a tournament where I’ve performed well in the past. I’ve had some great finishes in France and hopefully I can have another one this week.

“If I can play the way I’d like to in the next three events – French Open, Irish Open Scottish Open – and somehow make my way into the Open championship, that would be four in a row.