Netherlands protests Italy pit stop

29/04/2007

A1 Team Netherlands is attempting to overturn A1 Team Italy's third place in the Feature race of the RAB Capital A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain.

The team lodged a protest to the stewards, regarding whether Enrico Toccacelo pitted while the safety car was out on track, which is against A1GP rules.

The stewards rejected the protest, however the Netherlands are set to take it further, and has lodged its intention to appeal that decision. That appeal, subject to it being confirmed within the next 48 hours, will be heard by British motorsports' governing body – the Motor Sport Association.

Should Italy eventually be penalised, the Netherlands would benefit by a position and be awarded fourth place, and a greater share of the Feature race prize fund. It would also mean that A1 Team India would earn their first podium finish.

Toccacelo believes he did not pit behind the safety car, although he admitted it was close. He told A1GP.com: "I came in and a few seconds later the safety car came out. But I came in when there wasn't a safety car, and when I was already in, my team told me there was a safety car. I didn't see a board and there wasn't anything out there to tell me of it."

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