Hamilton appeal against Spa penalty fails
Lewis Hamilton's appeal against 25-second penalty fails
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Tuesday, 23, Sep 2008 10:50
Lewis Hamilton's appeal against the 25-second penalty imposed on his McLaren after the Belgian grand prix has been rejected as inadmissible by the FIA.
A panel from the formula one governing body has discarded the British team's appeal after Hamilton was penalised by stewards for cutting a chicane at Spa.
In its decision, the panel referred to the fact that article 152 of the International Sporting Code states drive-through penalties are "not susceptible to appeal".
"Having heard the explanations of the parties, the court has concluded that the appeal is inadmissible," the FIA confirmed in a brief statement.
The ruling by the stewards, which has been chastised by a number of leading pundits since, saw Hamilton's first place downgraded to third - allowing drivers' championship rival Felipe Massa to cut the gap at the top of the standings.
If successful in his appeal today, Hamilton would have increased his lead over Massa from one point to seven points ahead of this weekend's Singapore grand prix.
After coming out of the Paris courtroom yesterday, the 23-year-old driver - who is now en route to the Far East for this weekend's race - had seemed upbeat about the possible outcome.
"It was long and intense," he said of the hearing itself.
"But whatever happens I am not worried either way. I just hope the judges see the truth.
"I am now just going to focus on my next race and hopefully winning [in Singapore].
"At the moment, as I see it, I am one point ahead and that's how I will go into it."