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The Barge-Board Affair - How Did They Do That?
Whilst all Ferrari fans were relieved at the positive outcome of the appeal against the exclusion of the two Ferraris at the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, the whole affair has left some observers incredulous and sceptical about the inner machinations of the Formula One world.
The five appeal judges ruled that the F399s' deflectors fell within a 5 mm margin of error permitted in the rules and, furthermore, that the measurements taken after the race were taken incorrectly and with inadequate equipment. Yet, immediately after the exclusion, Ross Brawn explained on television that the deflectors were indeed not in conformity and he himself demonstrated with a ruler that the error was up to 10 mm. At Sepang the race stewards' memorandum announcing the exclusion of both Ferraris included the words "and the team's acceptance that this bodywork did not conform". That document was counter-signed by Stefano Dohenicay for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.
Ferrari's lawyers, led by Henri Peter, clearly did an excellent job in sifting their way through the regulations. Dr. Peter has quite a reputation for the excellence and thoroughness of his work and it was he who succeeded in having McLaren's brake-steer system outlawed in '98. The FIA's Appeal Court statement made two references to the mounting points of the air deflectors and it can possibly be assumed that the substance of Ferrari's appeal centred around the legality of the deflectors "provided [they were] properly attached to the car". However, without knowing the detailed arguments at the Appeal Court, the exact line of argumentation is not known.
The successful outcome of the appeal led some press commentators to suspect murky goings-on, although these have all been denied. The influence of Bernie Ecclestone came under scrutiny, as did the competence of the Sepang race stewards and the precise wording of the technical regulations. Surprise has also been expressed that in a sport so finely policed as Formula One a tolerance of 5 mm was being allowed in an area as critical to the performance of the car as its aerodynamics.
Thankfully all participants seem to have now accepted the outcome and are fully concentrating on next weekend's final decider in Japan. Eddie Irvine retains his four point lead over Mika Hakkinen and in the Constructors' Championship Ferrari have the same four points lead over McLaren. The advantage, with Schumacher on top form, undoubtedly lies with Ferrari but in the mysterious world of F1 anything can happen!
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