British press furious over FIA decision

Yesterday, during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that was held in Monaco, Renault was found to be in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code but imposed no penalty. For the same 'crime', McLaren was found guilty and punished with a record $100 million fine. Now the British newspapers believe that the FIA is ruling with different standards and they want a suitable explanation.

The newspapers believe that it is not fair that Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One supremo, and Jean Todt were entitled to be on the case as members of the WMSC, given their interest in the case. Bernie Ecclestone is a close friend to Flavio Briatore and they are business partners as they co-own the Queens Park Rangers football team.

After the decision was made public, Ecclestone declared: “Was it fair? We are always fair." Also Max Mosley, President of the governing body, seems satisfied with the outcome of the hearing: "No decision is easy, it's always complicated, but I am absolutely at ease with this decision. The full decision when it is published will explain everything."

Yesterday, the Renault F1 Team issued a statement, but McLaren refused to comment until the reasons for the verdict are known. Still Martin Whitmarsh declared to 'The Guardian': "We made it very clear that we were not seeking a big penalty. We would not wish the same sort of penalty which we received to be imposed on any other competitor."

The FIA will issue the detailed reasons for the decision today.