Perez allowed to start Belgian Grand Prix following Red Bull call to FIA

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has been given permission to start the Belgian Grand Prix thanks to the horrendous weather conditions.

Perez had crashed his RB16B on the parade lap, burying the nose into a tyre barrier after aquaplaning off a kerb at Les Combes, damaging the front wing and suspension.

At that stage, Perez was ruled out of the race due to the damage sustained, leading to his car being transported back to the garage.

But after a 25-minute delay for the formation lap, and then a call taken to suspend the race start procedure and red flag the event, Red Bull enquired as to whether it would be allowed to get Perez's car ready.

Initially, FIA race director Michael Masi said that was not possible due to the fact the team had received external assistance in returning the car.

Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley argued that as the race had not yet officially started then they should be permitted to do so within the regulations.

Masi said he would consult with the stewards, and following a 30-minute wait, he later confirmed to Red Bull that Perez could start from the pit lane.

Over the team radio, Masi said: "Good news. Sergio will be a pitlane start," to which the response was: "Thanks Michael, we'll crack on."

Masi then added: "Yes, crack on and hopefully the weather calms down."

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