Fernando Alonso downplays row over F1 yellow flags

Fernando Alonso says Formula One's latest controversy over interpretation of yellow flags became a major issue only because it involved world championship challenger Nico Rosberg. The two-time world champion Spaniard said that during his time in Formula One yellow flags were never a problem -- except if a driver is chasing the world title. "I've been racing 16 years in F1," said the McLaren driver. "There were never issues, apart from when you're fighting for the world championship, or if Nico is doing it. "So I don't see any problem. It will not be a problem in the future. There is no need for clarification. "The stewards have all the information, the telemetry. Sometimes they put some penalties, sometimes they don't. It was always like that. "It's a little bit inconsistent, but I don't see any difference in this Nico pole position than in the last 16 years of F1." Rosberg took pole position at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix after driving through a waved double yellow flags zone and slowing by only one-tenth of a second. After a stewards' inquiry, he was allowed to keep pole despite protests from other drivers that it was normal protocol to lift off and slow by at least half a second. The drivers are expected to discuss the need for consistency in interpretation of the flags in a meeting later Friday.