FIA inquest into Abu Dhabi controversy makes triple promise

The FIA has promised its investigation into the events in the closing stages of the controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year will be "thorough, objective and transparent".

An inquest into what unfolded over the final few laps of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit just over a month ago is now underway, with a verdict likely ahead of a World Motor Sport Council meeting on February 3.

Although the FIA vowed on December 15, just three days after the race, to deliver "a detailed analysis and clarification exercise" events of the past few weeks have led to a delay.

It was outgoing FIA president Jean Todt who initially promised a report days ahead of his departure on December 17 as his 12-year reign came to an end.

Although Mohammed Ben Sulayem took up the post, the Emirati was then faced with the Christmas and New Year holiday period before finally being able to address the numerous issues on his agenda.

The probe into the Abu Dhabi race is top of Ben Sulayem's schedule, with the FIA's secretary-general for motorsport, Peter Bayer, leading the investigation.

An FIA spokesperson has confirmed that Bayer will not shirk his duty in ensuring the matter is properly addressed given the now-infamous decisions made by race director Michael Masi that affected the outcome.

Masi made a call during the late safety car period following a crash involving Williams' Nicholas Latifi that aided Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's cause in winning his first title instead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton claiming his eighth.

Bayer is speaking to numerous parties during his investigation, with the aim of drawing a swift conclusion to a report that will first be presented to the Formula One Commission and sporting advisory committee before being passed to the WMSC.

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