Renault suspended from next Grand Prix
#1
07-26-2009 | 06:05 PM
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| FIGJAM
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Posts: 9,463
Renault suspended from next Grand Prix
Formula One news: Renault suspended from next Grand Prix - GPUpdate.net Formula One
The Renault team has been suspended from the European Grand Prix following a stewards' investigation at the Hungaroring on Sunday. The dramatic decision by the FIA-appointed stewards follows an incident which saw Fernando Alonso's wheel fly off his car.
With Renault, plus Ferrari and Red Bull, being called to the stewards, the news was announced as crowds continued to filter out of the Hungaroring.
Although no full report has yet been issued, the French team is believed to have breached sporting rules enough to warrant the full suspension from the race in Valencia.
The Renault team has been suspended from the European Grand Prix following a stewards' investigation at the Hungaroring on Sunday. The dramatic decision by the FIA-appointed stewards follows an incident which saw Fernando Alonso's wheel fly off his car.
With Renault, plus Ferrari and Red Bull, being called to the stewards, the news was announced as crowds continued to filter out of the Hungaroring.
Although no full report has yet been issued, the French team is believed to have breached sporting rules enough to warrant the full suspension from the race in Valencia.
#4
07-26-2009 | 09:29 PM
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From: Minnesota
I'm curious to hear what Alonso will have to say about this. Valencia is Alonso's home track, iirc. He was already put out this race from 1st place because of his team's mistake. Shouldn't the team be penalized instead of both of their drivers?
#5
07-26-2009 | 09:38 PM
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| FIGJAM
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From Autosport
Renault has been suspended from the European Grand Prix for the events that led to a wheel coming off Fernando Alonso's car in Hungary today.
Following a post-race discussion with the stewards, it was deemed that the team had breached the regulations enough for it to be suspended from the next event.
It means Alonso will miss his home event that takes place in Valencia next month, unless he moves to another team.
Alonso had been leading the race up until his stop, but his efforts came to nothing after his right front wheel was not fitted properly. It worked its way loose and flew off the car later that lap, ending up against the crash barriers.
A statement issued by the stewards on Sunday night said that there had been multiple breaches of the regulations by the Renault team.
Stewards talked to Renault representatives twice after the race.
The statement said that Renault "knowingly released car no. 7 from the pitstop position without one of the retaining devices for the wheel-nuts being securely in position, this being an indication that the wheel itself may not have been properly secured."
It added that Renault, "being aware of this, failed to take any action to prevent the car from leaving the pitlane....failed to inform the driver of this problem or to advise him to take appropriate action given the circumstances, even though the driver contacted the team by radio believing he had a puncture."
It said that the team's actions had compromised safety in breach of Article 3.2 of the Sporting Regulations, and in breach of Article 23.1.i had released the car from the pits before it was safe to do so.
Renault has been reminded of its right to appeal the decision.
Following a post-race discussion with the stewards, it was deemed that the team had breached the regulations enough for it to be suspended from the next event.
It means Alonso will miss his home event that takes place in Valencia next month, unless he moves to another team.
Alonso had been leading the race up until his stop, but his efforts came to nothing after his right front wheel was not fitted properly. It worked its way loose and flew off the car later that lap, ending up against the crash barriers.
A statement issued by the stewards on Sunday night said that there had been multiple breaches of the regulations by the Renault team.
Stewards talked to Renault representatives twice after the race.
The statement said that Renault "knowingly released car no. 7 from the pitstop position without one of the retaining devices for the wheel-nuts being securely in position, this being an indication that the wheel itself may not have been properly secured."
It added that Renault, "being aware of this, failed to take any action to prevent the car from leaving the pitlane....failed to inform the driver of this problem or to advise him to take appropriate action given the circumstances, even though the driver contacted the team by radio believing he had a puncture."
It said that the team's actions had compromised safety in breach of Article 3.2 of the Sporting Regulations, and in breach of Article 23.1.i had released the car from the pits before it was safe to do so.
Renault has been reminded of its right to appeal the decision.
#6
07-26-2009 | 11:58 PM
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| FIGJAM
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Posts: 9,463
Renault lodges appeal against Valencia ban
Renault has appealed against Hungarian Grand Prix stewards' decision to suspend the team from the European Grand Prix on the penultimate weekend of August. The French team was thrown out of the next event on Sunday evening due to actions by the team surrounding the loss of Fernando Alonso's right-front wheel in Budapest.
With a loose wheel nut causing such a vibration that the wheel became detached from Alonso's car during the race and subsequently bounching through the air, news was later published that the team had been suspended from taking part in the European Grand Prix next time out, meaning Spanish fans would be deprived of seeing their former double Champion hero on track.
The FIA has since received documentation stating Renault's intention to appeal the stewards' decision, with a hearing to take place within the next four weeks.
