UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Controversy in Paris

FIA accused of misinformation

Proceedings in Paris are over, and we await the verdict. Contrary to yesterdays story, the appeal has yet to be ruled admissible, and as such may well be thrown out.

Much controversy is brewing as it would appear that McLaren had based the appeal on a precedent set last year, after the Japanese Grand Prix, in which the stewards ruled a 25 second time penalty applied to Tonio Liuzzi for passing under yellow flags to be admissible for appeal.

However, the FIA had informed McLaren that this precedent would not stand, as the then Chief Steward – Tony Scott-Andrews – had admitted that an error had been made, and that the rule applied should have been that of a retrospective drive through penalty, one not subject to appeal.

The problem with this official line from the FIA is that Scott-Andrews, when asked to confirm that he was mistaken, denies any knowledge, and claims the FIA missive to McLaren as ‘misleading’.

Yet again we have the governing body making a farce of what should be a straightforward hearing by introducing elements of confusion – for want of a better word – onto the proceedings.

We also understand that Charlie Whiting, under questioning, admitted that the ‘wait one corner’ rule does not exist, and further alluded to his mistake in advising McLaren that Hamilton had done all he could to the satisfaction of Race Control.

It is reasonable, given the FIA stance on the matter, to expect the appeal to be rejected on the grounds that it is inadmissible; it is also reasonable, given what they have been told by Scott-Andrews, to expect McLaren to respond with due ire. This could turn out to be a bigger sage than we had all hoped.

Updatef1.com will keep you informed of the verdict.

Steve Turnbull

Written: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:31