F1 News
- September 10, 2006
Alonso Penalised
The stewards have penalised Alonso for impeding Massa's progress during qualifying.
However the demotion to 10th on the grid (5 place drop) has caused some controversy. There has been words of 'Ferrari Fix' being said all over the paddock.
The Renault teams had a press conference this morning and showed the video evidence the stewards used to penalise Alonso.
It looks like the stewards have certainly got it wrong, and everyone is asking why did Ferrari even bring it up.
So will this impact the championship? and will Renault go to the court of appeal?
One thing is certain, Renault will not let this lie.
The full decision of the stewards
A report was received from the race director that stated that the driver of car no. 1, Fernando Alonso, had impeded another driver during qualifying, namely Felipe Massa, car no. 6.
The stewards, after hearing the explanation of both the drivers, their team managers, and having seen video evidence and data supplied by Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, find that:
1. Fernando Alonso was on his out-lap and, having been caught by Felipe Massa, did impede him;
2. To impede another driver during the qualifying practice session is an offence (Article 116b of the 2006 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations);
3. Such actions may not have been deliberate.
The stewards determine that a breach of the regulations has occurred during qualifying practice and by virtue of the provisions of the 2006 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations Article 112 order that the best three laps set by Fernando Alonso in the third period of qualifying be deleted.
Signed by Tony Scott-Andrews, Enzo Spano and Alessandro Tibiletti.
