Melbourne - Jarno Trulli recieved a 25-second penalty for overtaking during a safety car phase at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday which elevated world champion Lewis Hamilton to third place.

The Toyota driver Trulli dropped from third to 12th place in the classification due to the penalty. Hamilton moved on to the podium behind the Brawn GP duo of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, up from 18th on the starting grid.

Trulli slipped off the course during a safety car phase and was overtaken by Hamilton. Trulli then passed Hamilton again to restore the order but race stewards deemed this move illegal. Passing is prohibited when the safety car is on the track. dpa