Melbourne  - Toyota are to appeal the 25-second penalty imposed on driver Jarno Trulli after the Italian was deemed to have overtaken under safety car conditions during Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Trulli slid off the track in the safety car phase which forced Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren-Mercedes to pass him. Trulli then moved ahead of the world champion again, but the stewards deemed this move illegal under safety car conditions.

"Race stewards subsequently handed Jarno a 25-second penalty for overtaking under safety car conditions, but the team has filed an appeal within the proscribed time period," said Toyota in a statement.

The decision moved Hamilton up to third while Trulli was demoted to 12th. Motorsport's ruling body FIA confirmed to German Press Agency dpa that the appeal will be heard on April 14, the same day as it will deal with the row over the diffusers being used by Brawn GP. dpa