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Vettel demoted to fifth with 20-second penalty
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/07/2...econd-penalty/
Wow, have the FIA grown some balls?
Yeah, Redbull used up their get out of jail free card today after the illegal engine mappings, sorry Vettel.
So this illegal engine mapping was brought up by Mercedes in March already...
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/m...092337065.html
http://totalf1.com/full_story/view/4...investigation/
Ultimately the outcome was that the rules are too flimsy as usual and the law can be bypassed on a whim. They had to penalise Vettel to avoid looking biased. Perhaps they're biased towards keeping the championship exciting, just a huge pity it's an artificial touch. The reality is that Alonso would be alot further down the road and Macca would be closer (if not level?) with RB.It's too early to say what the consequences will be for Red Bull if the German Grand Prix stewards agree with FIA technical delegate Joe Bauer's conclusions that Red Bull is in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the F1 technical regulations.
But the allegations are serious.
The regulation in question, which is new to the F1 technical regulations this year, states that: "The maximum accelerator pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or greater than the maximum engine torque at the measured engine speed. The minimum pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or lower than 0Nm."
In simple terms, this regulation dictates that there must be a linear relationship between the throttle pedal position and the torque demand on the engine.
Bauer's statement, released by the FIA, drew two conclusions, the first is that "the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid rpm range than previously seen for these engines at other Events.
"In my opinion this it is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula One Technical Regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range."
This suggests that the maximum torque demand seen in the middle of the rev range is lower than the FIA knows the engine to be capable of from previous races. This would mean that the relationship between throttle pedal position and torque demand is therefore not linear, creating a traction control-style effect.
The second conclusion was that "this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars". This alludes to off-throttle exhaust blowing, a system which the 2012 regulations were designed to outlaw.
Should the FIA race stewards, which includes former grand prix driver Derek Warwick, concur with Bauer, then it is inevitable that action will be taken.
If they do not, then the car will be deemed legal and not in contravention of Article 5.5.3.
Among the most likely initial outcomes would be the exclusion of Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber from qualifying, or even from the entire weekend. This would likely trigger an appeal, meaning that it's possible that they could start the race, with the FIA hearing the appeal at a later date and applying any punishment retrospectively.
Further sanctions cannot be ruled out if Red Bull is found guilty. This could even stretch to race bans, similar to the two-race exclusion of the BAR team in 2005 applied after it was found to be using fuel as ballast. At this stage, however, there is no suggestion from the FIA that this will happen.
Whatever happens, it's likely that the debates about the legality of the Red Bull-Renault RB8 will carry on beyond today.
Last edited by TirNaNog; 22-07-2012 at 05:50 PM.
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http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/...-slam-Hamilton
Lol @ 'Red Bull makes you Whinge'Sebastian Vettel has branded Lewis Hamilton "stupid" for unlapping himself during the German Grand Prix, arguing that the McLaren shouldn't have 'interfered' with the race leaders.
Hamilton was running out of contention a lap down having picked up a puncture on the opening lap at Hockenheim but, having just pitted for fresh tyres, found himself right behind race leaders Fernando Alonso and Vettel and just ahead of Button, who was in the process of catching his two rivals.
Vettel confident in last minute overtake
Although out of position and already lapped, Hamilton's McLaren was running at a faster pace at the time on far fresher tyres compared to the three cars around him and the Briton was able to line up and pass Vettel with the aid of DRS on the run to the turn six hairpin on lap 36.
The move drew an animated response from Vettel - with the World Champion to be seen waving his arm from the RB8 cockpit - and he continued his attack on his McLaren rival in the post-race press conference.
"That was not nice of him [Hamilton]. I don't see the point why he is trying to race us," Vettel complained.
"If he wants to go fast then he can drop back, find a gap and go fast there.
"But it's a bit stupid to disturb the leaders. He was a lap down so I don't see the point anyway. I think that potentially lost us the position to Jenson because soon after that we pitted, I think only two or three laps after that."
Hamilton's 100th GP not something to celebrate
Vettel's pass to re-take second from Button on the final lap of the race was at the centre of later controversy as the German driver completed the move with all four wheels off the race track. However, speaking live on Sky Sports F1 amid his defence of his driver's actions in that incident, Red Bull chief Christian Horner suggested Hamilton's alleged crime was far worse.
"I think a bigger incident is what went on with Lewis Hamilton. Why was he interfering with the race leaders?" Horner asked. "He should have respected the fact that they were ahead on the track."
When put to him by Sky Sports F1's Johnny Herbert that Hamilton was actually the quickest car on the track at the time and there is no rule that says you are not allowed to unlap yourself, Horner replied: "Yes and no. Yes and no. He didn't attempt to make any move on Fernando. He was a lap down and this was for the lead of the race. Sebastian gets pushed off line, gets dirt on his tyres and it costs him time in a crucial battle with Fernando Alonso."
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Always Mclaren in the controversy.
To be fair on Vettel he was off the track most of the race...
Mclarens always whining bout other drivers being unfair, whether it's shumi, Maldonado or Vettel. Mclaren should stop acting like a bunch of girls and start winning races.
Always McLaren? Yeah right, think you mean Red Bull.. with their illegal car.
Fact is, Vettel broke the rules and was penalised for it, McLaren are going to fight for points in a competitive constructors championship whether you like it or not. I would certainly be very worried if they didnt.
Your tears are delicious.
I wouldn't be the first person to argue that these massive concrete run-off areas make life easier for drivers. Not only can they be exploited - Vettel using it to overtake Button - but drivers are no longer punished for their mistakes. Not saying they should line the tracks with concrete walls, but not having a bit of grass and a gravel trap waiting to snare an errant driver takes the challenge out of the sport.
Guys, please note that DSTV is not going to show Practice Session 3 for the Hungarian GP.
When I asked why, this was their response:
"Unfortunately due to the sheer volume of sport on during the Olympics, we are unable to broadcast everything. Apologies"
IMHO this is utter b*ll. They could easily put it on SS0 and not disrupt anything else.
Anyone else keen to protest?
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After much b*tching on Twitter, this was their response:
"Gear down, Hungarian Practice Session 3 on 28 July NOW LIVE on SS1 from 10:50. Thanks"
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Nice for the ham but we have seen him dominate quali before but no race pace.
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