Ralf gets two points from Brazil

By Andrew Hooper
April 12 2003

 

 

 
Ralf gets two points from Brazil
 
After a review of the results by the FIA it was announced that the results for the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix would be changed to give victory to Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella.

The review, held in Paris, would see Jordan team chief Eddie Jordan, FIA race director Charlie Whiting, and the Brazilian race stewards discuss the matter. After the review it was found that an error had been made by the timekeepers. It was found that the race had run one lap further than had originally been thought.

The FIA issued the following statement:

"Having examined detailed records provided by the organisation responsible for timekeeping at the event, the Stewards are satisfied that car no. 11 (Fisichella) had crossed the Line to complete 55 laps and started his 56th lap before the signal to stop the race was given.

The race was therefore stopped on the 56th lap. As a consequence, under the provisions of Article 154 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, the race classification should be that at the end of lap 54."

This would see Fisichella given victory while Raikkonen would be placed second. Third place driver would still be Fernando Alonso while McLaren's David Coulthard remained in his original fourth position.

Fifth and sixth would remain the same with Sauber's Heinz-Harald Frentzen fifth  and BAR Honda's Jacques Villeneuve sixth but Jaguar's Mark Webber would lose his seventh place and the two points. These would now go to BMW WilliamsF1 driver Ralf Schumacher with Webber back in ninth.  Renault's Jarno Trulli would retain his eighth place.

After the announcement even McLaren's Ron Dennis would congratulate Fisichella. He said: "The evidence presented earlier today leaves no doubt that Giancarlo and Jordan are the winners of the Brazilian Grand Prix and I'm pleased that any confusion has now been cleared up."

Dennis was joined by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher who added: "I'm pleased for Giancarlo," said Ferrari's five-times champion Michael Schumacher, who also gained from a decision that cut Raikkonen's lead by two points. "I'm pleased he has now been recognised as the winner in Brazil because he did a really good race."

Revised 2003 Brazilian GP Results:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres

1. Fisichella Jordan Ford (B)
2. Raikkonen McLaren Mercedes (M)
3. Alonso Renault (M)
4. Coulthard McLaren Mercedes (M)
5. Frentzen Sauber Petronas (B)
6. Villeneuve BAR Honda (B)
7. R. Schumacher Williams BMW (M)
8. Trulli Renault (M)
9. Webber Jaguar Cosworth (M)
10. da Matta Toyota (M)

 
 
Message Board

Bookmark or share this story with: