RENAULT DISQUALIFIED FROM JAPANESE GP

Renault disqualified from Japanese Grand Prix result – Photo: LAT

Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg have been disqualified from the results of the Japanese Grand Prix following a protest by Racing Point.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

Renault was deemed to have breached of the Sporting and Technical Regulations and the FIA International Sporting Code after concerns raised over the brake bias adjustment system.

Following an investigation by the FIA, which included impounding the ECU’s and steering wheels of cars 3 and 27, it was found that the team had breached F1’s Sporting Regulations relating to driver aids.

F1 rules state the driver must drive the car alone and unaided, and the stewards found that the system implemented by Renault meant the drivers were saved from making a number of adjustments during a lap.

The stewards found that…

1. The rear brake controller software used by Renault is an integral part of the control system referred to in Article 11.9 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations. As such, it is used in compliance with Article 11.1.3 and 11.1.4 of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.

2. The described control system is not pre-set, lap distance-dependent as alleged.

3. Renault drivers used buttons mounted on the steering wheel to control brake balance in compliance with Article 8.6.3 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations. These are connected to the FIA Standard ECU.

4. Given the above, the Stewards conclude that while Renault used innovative solutions to exploit certain ambiguities in the Technical Regulations and other supporting documents, their system does not breach any current Technical Regulation.

Read the full FIA stewards reports here.

Ricciardo had been classified sixth and Hulkenberg 10th prior to the disqualification

Renault still have until later today to appeal the decision in the lead up to this weekends Mexican Grand Prix.

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