Brazilian Grand Prix - Formula 1

Fisichella Might Be Awarded Win [2003-9-April]

The FIA have launched an investigation into Kimi Raikkonen's win at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

While Raikkonen and McLaren are not under investigation, the race results are in doubt after suggestions that the countback was incorrect.

Giancarlo Fisichella took the lead from Raikkonen a few laps before the race was red-flagged after an accident involvind Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso.

The rules claim that in such an event the result is taken from two complete laps prior to the stoppage. It was believed that Fisichella was on his 55th lap at the time of the red-flag, thus counting back to the 53rd lap when Raikkonen was leading.

However, now the FIA have issused a statment that there is evidence that Fisichella had started his 56th lap. If this is correct, then the countback would go back to the 54th lap, when Fisichella was leading.

The full FIA statement:

"The FIA has received evidence which suggests that, contrary to the information supplied by the time-keepers at the Brazilian Grand Prix, car #11 (Fisichella) had started his 56th lap before the race was stopped.

"If this proves to be the case, the race classification would be that at the end of the 54th lap and not at the end of the 53rd lap as published.

"In accordance with Article 179(b) of the International Sporting Code, the stewards of the Brazilian Grand Prix will re-convene on Friday 11 April at 1100hrs at the FIA headquarters in Paris to review the results of the event. All competitors who would be affected by any change to the classification are being invited to attend."

Return to Top