09-09-2006, 10:15 PM
From Formula1.com
World champion Fernando Alonso has dropped from fifth to tenth on the provisional grid for SundayÂ’s Italian Grand Prix after Monza stewards penalized him for impeding FerrariÂ’s Felipe Massa during qualifying.
Massa complained to officials that Alonso had blocked him whilst on his final run at the end of session. The stewards agreed and deleted the Renault starÂ’s three fastest times from Q3, though they did concede that AlonsoÂ’s actions may not have been deliberate.
The penalty has no effect on MassaÂ’s grid position as he had qualified fourth, immediately ahead of Alonso. However, it is good news for Ferrari team mate Michael Schumacher, who qualified second. Schumacher, who trails Alonso by 12 points in the driversÂ’ championship, now has seven cars between himself and his title rival for the start of FerrariÂ’s home race.
The final grid positions will be published by the FIA on Sunday morning.
I wonder if:
A- This is a ploy to make F1 more exciting
B- Ferrari favouritism
I did not see the quali so I cannot comment on the incident. Did anyone see it ? If so what are your thoughts ?
Another thought....
If he did "block", why isn't the punishement the same as was doled out to Schumi when he "blocked" earlier this year ?
:edit:
I see that The FIA have Alonso starting 10 on their grid list right now !!!
World champion Fernando Alonso has dropped from fifth to tenth on the provisional grid for SundayÂ’s Italian Grand Prix after Monza stewards penalized him for impeding FerrariÂ’s Felipe Massa during qualifying.
Massa complained to officials that Alonso had blocked him whilst on his final run at the end of session. The stewards agreed and deleted the Renault starÂ’s three fastest times from Q3, though they did concede that AlonsoÂ’s actions may not have been deliberate.
The penalty has no effect on MassaÂ’s grid position as he had qualified fourth, immediately ahead of Alonso. However, it is good news for Ferrari team mate Michael Schumacher, who qualified second. Schumacher, who trails Alonso by 12 points in the driversÂ’ championship, now has seven cars between himself and his title rival for the start of FerrariÂ’s home race.
The final grid positions will be published by the FIA on Sunday morning.
I wonder if:
A- This is a ploy to make F1 more exciting
B- Ferrari favouritism
I did not see the quali so I cannot comment on the incident. Did anyone see it ? If so what are your thoughts ?
Another thought....
If he did "block", why isn't the punishement the same as was doled out to Schumi when he "blocked" earlier this year ?
:edit:
I see that The FIA have Alonso starting 10 on their grid list right now !!!