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Sebastian Vettel in the pits at Imola

FIA counter Vettel's "not very professional" complaint

Sebastian Vettel in the pits at Imola — Photo: © LAT Images
1 reactie

FIA counter Vettel's "not very professional" complaint

Vettel believes Imola penalty was called late

FIA race director Michael Masi has countered the criticism from Sebastian Vettel after the Aston Martin driver described the organisation as "not very professional" in dealing with his penalty in Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Vettel's race was initially compromised by overheating brakes on the way to the grid. Despite the efforts of his pit crew, they were unable to carry out the repairs in time, resulting in a pitlane start.

It later emerged the team had not re-fitted the tyres back on to Vettel's car by the five-minute warning, culminating in a 10-second stop-go penalty that was not confirmed until lap 22.

That left Vettel bitterly frustrated post-race - with the four-time champion retiring two laps from the end in any case - but voicing his concerns at the way the FIA had acted.

In response, Masi claims the FIA's standard protocol was adhered to.

"I don't know about taking longer than it should have," replied Masi. "It was obviously reported by the technical delegate.

"I would have to look at the report but once it was reported by the technical delegate, then the paper report that he presents and appears in the document management system, it is at that point the stewards look at the regulations, confirm the evidence and what the penalty was."

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