Aug.29 (GMM) The FIA says it has launched a 'full investigation' after Sunday's formula one podium ceremony at Istanbul sparked a political storm.
Debutant race winner for Ferrari, Felipe Massa, received his trophy from Mehmet Ali Talat, who was introduced by the regular F1 announcer and the official television caption as the 'President of the Northern Turkish Republic of Cyprus'.
In fact, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in 1974, and still occupy the north-eastern area, which was subsequently declared by both the United Nations and the European Union as an illegal state.
Cyprus spokesman Christodoulos Pasharis denounced the F1 podium as an 'unacceptable and provocative piece of theatre', and said the government intends to lodge an official complaint with the FIA.
He said Turkey had exploited a sports event and 'tricked' formula one's governing body.
An FIA statement on Tuesday read: ''Political neutrality is fundamental to the FIA's role as the governing body of international motor sport. No compromise or violation of this neutrality is acceptable.
''The results of the investigation will be presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council.''
Written: Wed, 30 Aug 2006 08:26:14
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