F1 Monaco GP 2010 : Mercedes decides NOT to appeal !

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes F1 Team – Courtesy: mercedes-gp.com

The much awaited statement from Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team, regarding the controversy on the last lap incident, involving Michael Schumacher, has been released.

The team is obviously not happy with the penalty, though their interpretation of the rules are correct. The statement released by the Mercedes F1 Team, it says

Whilst we cannot be happy with the outcome, we are pleased that the FIA has recognised the reasons for our interpretation. Therefore in the best interests of the sport, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will not be submitting an appeal.

And also about controversy on the Damon Hill’s involvement in the decision of penalty, Mercedes played safely by stating that,

It was clear from our discussions with the stewards after the race that they understood the reasons for our interpretation and acknowledged that this was a new and previously untested situation but ultimately disagreed with our interpretation.

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS would like to emphasise that we fully support the inclusion of past drivers on the stewards panel and are completely satisfied that the Monaco Grand Prix stewards acted professionally, impartially and properly in this matter.

The FIA has agreed to include article 40.13 on the agenda of the next Sporting Working Group for discussion and to consider the scale of post race penalties. We believe that the 20 second penalty imposed on Michael to be disproportionate in the circumstances.