Ferrari fined, referred to WMSC

[bitsandpcs]

www.autosport.com

Ferrari fined, referred to WMSC

By Jonathan Noble Sunday, July 25th 2010, 16:04 GMT


The FIA has announced that its World Motor Sport Council is to consider whether Ferrari should face further sanctions for the team orders controversy at the German Grand Prix, after the team was fined $100,000 for its actions.

Fernando Alonso was handed victory at Hockenheim after his Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa sacrificed the lead on lap 48 - soon after the team had told the Brazilian that he was slower than the car behind him.

Although Ferrari has insisted that it did not issue a team order, and merely provided Massa with information, the race stewards after the German GP had a different opinion.

After speaking to team principal Stefano Domenicali, team manager Massimo Rivola, plus Alonso and Massa to examine the events of the afternoon, the race stewards decided that the regulations had been broken.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the FIA stated that a breach of Article 39.1, which bans team orders, and 151c, which relates to bringing the sport into disrepute, had been committed.

It said that the penalty would be: "Fine $100,000. The case will also be referred to the FIA World Motorsport Council for further consideration."

Alonso said after the race that the drivers were both simply what is best for the team.

"We tried to do our race, we tried to do as good as we can," said Alonso, who scored his second win of the year. "We are professional drivers and we try to work as a team and we try to do the best we can every day."

[cfol1]

Fair enough a fine, but the drivers and team should be stripped of their points, hopefully the further hearing will do that!

[paul461012]

unfortunately although thats what most people would like it wont happen

[Tris]

I really don't know what will happen for the good of the sport Ferrari deserve to be stripped of all points and given a 3 race ban if not longer however I really hope that does not happen as much as I don't toe the F1 needs Ferrari line I do feel that F1 would miss Ferrari and the FIA would not make the mistake of upsetting the fans like that

What is interesting is that the hearing is on a Friday of a race weekend and isn't happening mid week which would imply that the FIA expect it to be a short hearing feeling that they don't need any further evidence from the teams or drivers (as they will be busy in practice sessions) and I think that is very telling when you think about it I looks like this is not to allow further discussion about the guilt of the team.

If the FIA felt that Ferrari had no case to answer they would just release a press statement and say so and call an end to it for the good of the sport

If the FIA feel that Ferrari are guilty then it will be a matter of finding an appropriate penalty.

If you look at lie-gate where the crime was lying to the Stewards which Ferrari appear to have also done then when the WMSC announce the penalty they said the following as part of the statement

Following the hearing a WMSC statement read: "Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren team principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.

"That penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

"This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of article 151 c of the International Sporting Code."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2009/04/29/mclaren-handed-suspended-ban-over-lie-gate-scandal-as-lewis-hamilton-avoids-further-punishment-86908-21318300/

What will Ferrari have to do if they want to get away as lightly? The FIA have worked hard to show they are been consistent with penalties even if that that appeared to be harsh (Scumi and the SC) or soft (Lewis and the SC)
The WMSC will be aware that people and the media are drawing parallels and I think their hands are been tied.

How far will Ferrari have to go to show they have changed? sack SD and perhaps even RS? re-write Massa's contract removing the so called Baracello clause? Publicly apologise in a way which would publicly humiliate themselves just before the home GP, have one or both drivers apologise to the fans? Promise never again to use team orders?

Somehow none of that sounds like Ferrari, I don't want to see the fight kicked out of Ferrari but they need to find a way to ensure they fight fair

[calira]

Yes they are under investigation under the same rule, but it is not the same is it? Mclaren had another teams data, which could have given them an advantage of a team on the cars design. Ferrari however it is a team order, issued between 2 team mates that were ahead by a matter of seconds, not exactly the same is it?

[cfol1]

Yes they are under investigation under the same rule, but it is not the same is it? Mclaren had another teams data, which could have given them an advantage of a team on the cars design. Ferrari however it is a team order, issued between 2 team mates that were ahead by a matter of seconds, not exactly the same is it?

No agree the terms of the investigation are different, but the rule is the same and as such will have to be applied as such. I don't think Ferrari are doing themselves any favours with their statements, think they should consider just saying, we got it wrong, hands up, did not realise the strength of feeling, we broke the rules, sorry.

Think if they continue to batter ahead the way they are they will feel the full wrath of the investigation, even though the "crimes" are to a differing degree.

[Tris]

Yes they are under investigation under the same rule, but it is not the same is it? Mclaren had another teams data, which could have given them an advantage of a team on the cars design. Ferrari however it is a team order, issued between 2 team mates that were ahead by a matter of seconds, not exactly the same is it?

You may want to re read my post I was referring to Lie-Gate not Spy-Gate! when McLaren lied to the Stewards in Australia last year

[calira]

Deeply sorry!

[Tris]

Deeply sorry!

Hey np no one is perfect well all have our own points of view and no one point is more valid than others as!