Half the F1 grid protest Racing Point copying sanction

Five Formula One teams intend to issue appeals against the sanction given to Racing Point for illegally copying parts of their car this season, it was confirmed on Saturday. Picture: Bryn Lennon/Pool via AP

Five Formula One teams intend to issue appeals against the sanction given to Racing Point for illegally copying parts of their car this season, it was confirmed on Saturday. Picture: Bryn Lennon/Pool via AP

Published Aug 8, 2020

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LONDON - Five Formula One teams intend to issue appeals against the sanction given to Racing Point for illegally copying parts of their car this season, it was confirmed on Saturday.

On Friday the governing FIA issued a fine of €400,000 (R8.3 million) and a 15-point deduction in the constructors' championship having ruled the team copied the rear brake ducts from last year's Mercedes.

Racing Point themselves have appealed while four rivals - Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Renault, whose complaint started the process after the second race of the season - did likewise.

All parties now have 96 hours to officially launch appeals.

A particular area of contention in the FIA decision is that Racing Point are allowed to continue using their current car design which includes the illegal brake ducts.

Racing Point openly admitted to modelling their car on Mercedes, for whom they buy an engine and various other parts.

Mercedes supplied details on their brake ducts last year when it was legal to do so but they became a listed part - one which cannot be copied - this season.

Racing Point have performed strongly this season going into the fifth race of the season, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

dpa

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