Need some clarification on "classification"

[drewdawg727]

This little aspect of Formula 1 always seems to confuse me...

I don't really understand how a driver can be "classified" if they DNF. For example, at the Bahrain GP, both Buemi and Trulli were "classified", but they both did not take the checkered flag. What exactly does "classified" mean? I have been tring to find that in the rule book but am not having much luck.

[BobbyC]

A driver must finish 90% of a race (rounded down) to be declared classified. For points purposes a driver must be classified. That means in a race such as Monaco (78 laps), a driver must complete 70 laps in order to score points. If a driver finishes in eighth place but completes just 60 laps, no points.

[Jag_Warrior]

Thanks, Bobby.