| The Austria Affair Costs Ferrari $1m |
26.6.02
Following today's meeting of the World Motor
Sports Council regarding the Austrian "team orders" affair,
the FIA have issued the following statement:
Having studied the observer’s report and heard the three parties
concerned, Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari
Marlboro, the World Motor Sport Council resolved as follows.
The race
The WMSC deplored the manner in which team orders were given and executed
at the Austrian Grand Prix. Nevertheless the Council finds it impossible
to sanction the two drivers, because they were both contractually bound
to execute orders given by the team.
The Council also recognised the long-standing and traditional right
of a team to decree the finishing order of its drivers in what it believes
to be the best interest of its attempt to win both world championships.
In the circumstances, the Council decided; with some reluctance; that
it could take no action over the team orders given by Scuderia Ferrari
Marlboro at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The podium
The podium procedure was not followed. Having finished second, Rubens
Barrichello, who is a Brazilian national, stood on the top step while
the German national anthem was played for Michael Schumacher. Michael
Schumacher then ascended the top step and both drivers, rather than just
the winner, stood there while the Italian national anthem was played.
Michael Schumacher took the trophy for first place from the Austrian Chancellor,
did not acknowledge him, handed the trophy to Rubens Barrichello and then
took the second place trophy from the Austrian Deputy Chancellor.
It is the duty of each team to ensure that its contracted drivers observe
the podium procedures and do not in any way embarrass the national authorities
of the country where a grand prix takes place.
The World Motor Sport Council held that Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher
and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro were each guilty of failure to observe Article
170 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.
The World Motor Sport Council imposed a fine of $1 million (USD) on Scuderia
Ferrari Marlboro, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello jointly, half
to be paid immediately and half to be suspended for one year. The fine
will become payable immediately should a similar offence occur within
the next twelve months
Paris, 26 June 2002
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