Post by Ruby2 on Aug 12, 2003 9:36:53 GMT -5
This is the findings of the inquiry into the incident involving the restarting of Michael Schumacher during the European Grand Prix according to the FIA:
Michael Schumacher acted totally within the current rules of F1. We have checked the official copy of the F1 rules and the following can clearly be seen written in black biro under paragraph 7a of section 8.
"If 'any' driver leaves the track and becomes beached on a kerb he may be released from the situation as long as the following clauses are not broken.
a) Only designated racetrack marshals or Spectators may touch the car.
b) No more than one spectator at any one time may touch the car.
c) Should such an incident involve Michael Schumacher he may be released by using any means necessary. If required the race maybe stopped in order for him to re-join. (please note, this law does only apply to Michael Schumacher)
We have checked with the other teams and it appears that their copies of the rules are slightly out of date. In order to avoid any further confusion we are rescinding this rule for the next GP, however the results will remain as published for the European Grand prix.
'Following an incident during the 2003 European Grand Prix between car 5 [David Coulthard] and car 8 [Fernando Alonso] it is in the judgement of the FIA stewards that the driver of car 5 [David Coulthard] shall receive a two race ban - with immediate effect - for failing to keep the engine running and to encourage the marshals and spectators to return his car back to the racing circuit.
The team's attention is drawn to the recently modified (2.10pm on Sunday 29th June, 2003) sporting regulations. Under these regulations the FIA stewards consider it entirely unacceptable that a driver should choose to retire a car in the gravel trap without first endangering the lives of marshals and spectators.
The team is reminded of its right to appeal.
Author's note: Hope this clarifies everything for everyone.. Well done to the FIA for being totally honest, unbiased, and sorting this out when it could have looked like they were being biased towards MS or ferrari.
Michael Schumacher acted totally within the current rules of F1. We have checked the official copy of the F1 rules and the following can clearly be seen written in black biro under paragraph 7a of section 8.
"If 'any' driver leaves the track and becomes beached on a kerb he may be released from the situation as long as the following clauses are not broken.
a) Only designated racetrack marshals or Spectators may touch the car.
b) No more than one spectator at any one time may touch the car.
c) Should such an incident involve Michael Schumacher he may be released by using any means necessary. If required the race maybe stopped in order for him to re-join. (please note, this law does only apply to Michael Schumacher)
We have checked with the other teams and it appears that their copies of the rules are slightly out of date. In order to avoid any further confusion we are rescinding this rule for the next GP, however the results will remain as published for the European Grand prix.
'Following an incident during the 2003 European Grand Prix between car 5 [David Coulthard] and car 8 [Fernando Alonso] it is in the judgement of the FIA stewards that the driver of car 5 [David Coulthard] shall receive a two race ban - with immediate effect - for failing to keep the engine running and to encourage the marshals and spectators to return his car back to the racing circuit.
The team's attention is drawn to the recently modified (2.10pm on Sunday 29th June, 2003) sporting regulations. Under these regulations the FIA stewards consider it entirely unacceptable that a driver should choose to retire a car in the gravel trap without first endangering the lives of marshals and spectators.
The team is reminded of its right to appeal.
Author's note: Hope this clarifies everything for everyone.. Well done to the FIA for being totally honest, unbiased, and sorting this out when it could have looked like they were being biased towards MS or ferrari.