Ferrari escapes further punishment over team orders issue

FIA decided not to further punish Scuderia Ferrari over the incidents occurred in the 2010 German Grand Prix, where team orders saw Fernando Alonso get ahead of Felipe Massa to take victory in Hockenheim.

Yesterday, at FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Paris, the governing body decided that the $100,000 fine given to Ferrari after Hockenheim would be sustained and that no other sanctions would be imposed. After the meeting FIA stated that Formula 1's ban on team orders is to be reviewed after the season.

With the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council helding an extraordinary hearing in Paris, the decision was the following:

"After an in depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted, the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of a $100,000 fine for infringing article 39.1 of the sporting regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA."

The judging body will be referring the matter to the Formula 1 Sporting Working Group in order to review the article 39.1 of the sporting regulations, about team orders ban.

After FIA’s decision was announced, Ferrari welcomed it and stated that its focus was now completely on making a good performance at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

In the Scuderia’s official statement it could be read: "Ferrari has taken note of the decision of the FIA World Council, relating to the outcome of this year's German Grand Prix and wishes to express its appreciation of the Council's proposal to review article 39.1 of the Formula 1 sporting regulations, in light of what emerged during today's discussions."

20-race season for 2011

During yesterday’s meeting FIA also announced the 2011 schedule for the F1 World Championship. Next year’s season will become the longest calendar in F1 history thanks to the addition of the Indian Grand Prix, which will be held for the first time on October 30th.

The season will, yet again, kick-off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 13th, with the season finale returning to the Interlagos circuit, for the Brazilian Grand Prix.