Renault responds to Japanese GP disqualification

Renault have pointed out that the brake system used at the Japanese Grand Prix was "entirely legal" as the team ponders a response to disqualification from the Japanese Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg had sixth and 10th-place finishes respectively taken away from them.

It was alleged that Renault were using a "pre-set, automated brake bias system", although the FIA found that the system was not tuned to a determined distance and was therefore not against technical regulations.

However, Renault were not out of trouble, as the sporting regs state that drivers must drive the car unaided and the system in place had meant both Ricciardo and Hulkenberg did not have to make the same adjustments as all other 18 of their rivals.

If Renault want to lodge an appeal they must submit an intent to the FIA on Thursday morning at the Mexican GP.

The team's statement read: "Renault F1 Team acknowledges the decision of the Stewards of the Japanese Grand Prix regarding the protest by SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team concerning the legality of Renault F1 Team’s braking system during the Japanese Grand Prix.

"Despite the FIA concurring with Renault that the system was entirely legal under the FIA Technical Regulations, it was judged by the stewards that the system was in breach of the FIA Sporting Regulations regarding driver aid. Both Renault cars were disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix and the team loses the nine points scored.

"However, considering the subjectivity of the qualification of a system as a driver aid and the variability of the associated penalties in recent cases, Renault F1 Team will consider its next course of action within the timeframe laid out by the FIA."

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