WILLIAMS WELCOMES ICA FINDINGS
Williams F1 today welcomed the findings of the FIA’s
International Court of Appeal (ICA), investigating the matter
of the fuel temperatures recorded at the Brazilian Grand Prix
earlier this year.
The outcome of the hearing means that the Steward’s
decision in Brazil in relation to this matter remains in force
and valid. The AT&T Williams team did not transgress the
regulations, demonstrate any intent or gain any competitive
advantage in relation to the management of its race fuels.
In order to respect the Court of Appeal process, Williams
has refrained from making any public statement until a conclusion
had been reached. The team can now confirm that the facts
of this case are as follows:-
1. Article 6.5.4 of the FIA Technical Regulations states
that no fuel onboard the car may be more than 100C below ambient
temperature.
2. There is no specified source for the ambient temperature
measurement, and there is no homologated and sealed sensor
for measuring fuel temperature either in the fuel rigs or
on-board the cars.
3. Meteo France, who provide official temperature measurements
for the FIA and Formula One teams, recorded a maximum ambient
temperature during the Brazilian GP of 330C.
4. The lowest temperatures recorded by Williams’ precise
on-board sensors in the fuel tank and in the fuel injection
rail on either of its cars during the Grand Prix were 310C
and 350C respectively.
5. Consequently, as the Stewards found, there was no breach
of the regulations.
6. All of the preceding points are consistent with all of
the clarifications and opinions related to fuel temperatures
expressed in Team Managers’ Meetings and other such
forums. The views offered in these meetings fully support
Williams’ case as presented to the FIA ICA.
These facts lay behind the Steward’s decision in Brazil.
Williams was pleased to be able to present these facts to
the ICA and see the Steward’s decision upheld, confirming
that both Williams race cars were legal throughout the course
of the Brazilian Grand Prix. In the event, the appeal of the
Steward’s decision was found to be inadmissible as McLaren
failed to follow the correct and clearly documented protest
procedure.
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