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I want somewhere to stick my thoughts on the Formula 1 season as it progresses so I'm going to do that here. Feel free to join me if you want.
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Ferrari lock out the front row. Hamilton was quite a bit slower so he'll have to hope he has more fuel. Rosberg 5th with Kubica's engine penalty, ahead of Heidfeld. Kovalainen ahead of Fisichella again.
They were blatent in their obtaining and discussion of the information. By their own accounts, they did attempt to use the information but realised it would not be right for their car. So in a way they did use it.
The whole problem centres around the fact that McLaren is a huge team and it was a few people who shared and allegedly benefited from the team. I think that the FIA should have docked all the points for McLaren (which they did) but allowed them to drive a pre-March car for the remaining races, allowing them points for this.
The whole problem centres around the fact that McLaren is a huge team and it was a few people who shared and allegedly benefited from the team. I think that the FIA should have docked all the points for McLaren (which they did) but allowed them to drive a pre-March car for the remaining races, allowing them points for this.
I have to say, that is some weighty evidence. It seems that Alonso and particularly De La Rosa were quite blatent in their use of this information. I may be misreading it though. I'll have another look and get my thoughts together.
Well, there is a race on this weekend and it's at my favourite track, Belgium.
Raikkonen led the first session and McLaren took the 2nd with Alonso getting the fastest time of the 2 sessions. With it being such a long track, in theory, the times won't be as close as previous races. Might see a slightly spread midfield.
Raikkonen led the first session and McLaren took the 2nd with Alonso getting the fastest time of the 2 sessions. With it being such a long track, in theory, the times won't be as close as previous races. Might see a slightly spread midfield.
It all centres on whether McLaren used the information to their benefit. Harsh penalty, and the fine's huge, even for them. Ron Dennis seems interested in appealing; if he's able to prove otherwise, I'm not sure what'll happen; quite a hefty punishment, but it doesn't jeopardise the Drivers' Championship and (If they have cheated), given McLaren something to think about...
Well, after Mike Coughlan admitted to sharing details of Ferrari's illegal designs which were immediately forwarded to the FIA, then allowing a firewall to be set up so no further information could be received from Stepney, I think it's perfectly natural for the FIA to penalise McLaren for not using any data for their car, the one that had been tested from January.
But seriously, if the FIA have evidence that Ferrari data came from another source, rather than Mike Coughlan, who only provided information not used in the car, and that their car was enhanced because of it, then fair enough, McLaren should be excluded. However, if the evidence only shows Mike Coughlan's data of the "floor device, a rear wing flap separator, and a technique to lower the floor of the car.", all of which was sent directly to the FIA and, being as the first was illegal, not used in the car, then I can't see how they could punish them.
So, to sum up, if the FIA have evidence we haven't heard that categorically state McLaren used Ferrari's data in their car, then I say they got off lightly, especially since they seem to have done a better job than Ferrari themselves of putting a car together that actually works. If, however, the evidence just states what we heard so far, that one person had some data, showed it to a few others who forwarded it on to the FIA and told him to stop being a silly b*gger, then they shouldn't have had such a harsh penalty.
But seriously, if the FIA have evidence that Ferrari data came from another source, rather than Mike Coughlan, who only provided information not used in the car, and that their car was enhanced because of it, then fair enough, McLaren should be excluded. However, if the evidence only shows Mike Coughlan's data of the "floor device, a rear wing flap separator, and a technique to lower the floor of the car.", all of which was sent directly to the FIA and, being as the first was illegal, not used in the car, then I can't see how they could punish them.
So, to sum up, if the FIA have evidence we haven't heard that categorically state McLaren used Ferrari's data in their car, then I say they got off lightly, especially since they seem to have done a better job than Ferrari themselves of putting a car together that actually works. If, however, the evidence just states what we heard so far, that one person had some data, showed it to a few others who forwarded it on to the FIA and told him to stop being a silly b*gger, then they shouldn't have had such a harsh penalty.
There is going to be a publishing of FIA findings tomorrow. Whether they are for public eyes or not, I'm not sure. McLaren will be basing their decision to appeal on those findings. It must have been pretty damaging evidence to give this decision seeing as a lack of evidence meant McLaren avoided punishment the first time round.
I can forsee a lot of booing when that constructors trophy is handed over, and I feel it's pretty much all Ferrari's fault.
Strange how almost every year around the middle of the F1 season, Ferrari come up with something on one of their rivals. The FIA are only there to back up Ferrari anyway...
And what is the evidence, anyway? How certain is it to be true?
Strange how almost every year around the middle of the F1 season, Ferrari come up with something on one of their rivals. The FIA are only there to back up Ferrari anyway...
And what is the evidence, anyway? How certain is it to be true?
McLaren have lost all their Constructors points and fined $100m, which is around £50m. They will have their car for next year inspected.
The drivers are safe at the moment, which to me is the smart move. There is a press conference later and I would assume a McLaren appeal.
Ferrari have been pretty much handed the Constructors Championship, pending an appeal, which is pretty much certain.
The drivers are safe at the moment, which to me is the smart move. There is a press conference later and I would assume a McLaren appeal.
Ferrari have been pretty much handed the Constructors Championship, pending an appeal, which is pretty much certain.
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