Renault DP World Formula 1 Team has lodged a protest to the FIA against both BWT Racing Point cars, after today’s Styrian Grand Prix.
Apparently, representatives of the team have been summoned to appear before the stewards at 7:20 pm local time.
Renault’s protest originates from an “alleged breach of article 2.1, 3.2, appendix 6 paragraph 1, 2(a) and 2(c) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations 2020 during the race.”
The rules of which Renault are acusing Racing Point of breaking are as follows. “a competitor shall, in respect of the listed parts to be used in its cars in Formula 1, only use listed parts which are designed by it.”
Have Racing Point copied the Mercedes?
A listed part is one that a team must hold the intellectual property right for.
The teams must “retain the exclusive right to use the listed parts in Formula 1 so long as it competes in Formula 1” and “in the case of the outsourcing of design, such third party shall not be a competitor or a party that directly or indirectly designs listed parts for any competitor.”
The protest is against both Racing Point cars, so those of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.
Both Perez and Stroll finished ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, all be it by a minuscule margin.
Earlier, Renault tweeted “We confirm that Renault DP World F1 Team has submitted a request to the Stewards of the Event for clarification on the legality of the Racing Point RP20. We have no further comment on this matter until the Stewards have arrived at a decision.”
UPDATE : 8PM – Renault protest deemed admissible.
According to F1 journo, Chris Medland, The FIA technical department has sealed and impounded the relevant parts in preparation for conducting detailed analysis. They have also ordered Mercedes to submit its 2019 front and rear brake ducts.
They may also call on further assistance from Renault, Racing Point and Mercedes.
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