By Phil Huff
April 27 2005

In a sensational move, the FIA are appealing against the decision of their own race stewards, hoping to have the podium finish of Jenson Button removed after his car initially failed a weight test. The FIA scrutineers every car that finishes a race, measuring various items and weighing the car. Jenson's car passed the weight test initially, but then fell underweight after the fuel had been drained off.

After six hours of deliberations the stewards finally passed the car, commenting that "after hearing the explanation of the competitor's representatives and studying all the available documentation [the stewards] decided that the matter requires no further action."

BAR argued that, despite the car being underweight once devoid of fuel, the car met the rules throughout the race event, and therefore was entirely legal, an argument the stewards accepted.

The FIA, however, do not agree and have taken the unprecedented step of appealing against their own stewards, seemingly determined to strip BAR of their third place finish.

The rules are very clear. Article 77b of the sporting regulations states that 'After the race every classified car will be weighed', threatening expulsion from the event if it is found to be underweight.

However, article 77d states that 'No substance may be added to, placed on, or removed from a car after it has been selected for weighing or has finished the race or during the weighing procedure.'

The technical regulations state that 'the weight of the car must not be less than 605 kg during the qualifying practice session and no less than 600 kg at all other times during the Event.'

As the car crossed the line weighing over 600kg, as confirmed by the srutineers, there would seem to be little doubt.