Drivers Standings
1. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 11.5pts
2. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 9pts
3. S. Buemi – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
4. S. Boudais – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
5. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 6pts
6. A. Sutil – (Force India) – 5pts
7. G. Fisichella – (Force India) – 3pts
8. L. Hamilton – (Mclaren) – 3pts
9. F. Massa – (Ferrari) – 2.5pts
10. K. Raikkonen – (Ferrari) – 1.5pts
11. N. Piquet jnr – (Renault) – 1pt
12. S. Vettle – (Red Bull) – 1pt ???
Team Standings
1. Torro Rosso – 16pts
2. Renault – 12.5pts
3. BMW – 9pts
4. Force India – 8pts
5. Red Bull – 7pts
6. Ferrari – 3.5pts
7. McLaren – 3pts
As the split level diffuser row rumbles on in Paris this evening there is a possibility the dream start by Brawn GP, the hard work by a rejuvenated Jenson Button undone and the points stripped from the three teams who carry the alleged illegal split diffuser including Williams, Toyota and Brawn GP.
If the, the FIA and Court of Appeal does decide that the cars who use the split level diffuser are illegal and points are stripped, then the F1 standings will be seriously shaken up. Former two time world champion Fernando Alonso would be leading the world championship as well as being crowned victor of the Australian Grand Prix over two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, second string team, Torro Rosso would be leading the team standings after drivers Sebastian Buemi and Boudais promotion into second and third place, again at the Australian GP.The shake up would also see Ferrari score their first points of the new season after a dismal start to the 2009 campaign and Lewis Hamilton gain his first podium of the season with his promotion to third in Malaysia.
If the protests, lead by Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull win their appeal, the FIA would have two options before the season heads to Shanghai for the third race of the season.
To strip all teams concerned of points gained during the first two rounds, which would produce the results shown here or to allow the three teams to keep the points gained but force the three teams to remove the illegal diffuser from this weekend’s race onwards.
On a personal note I don’t see how common sense can’t prevail with this issue, why not just give the seven remaining teams the choice of whether to use the split level diffuser on their car! It really would be the most sensible solution to the debacle.
If situations like this continue to arise, F1 will be in serious danger of isolating itself from its loyal fan base. Ask yourself if you would be best pleased having brought a ticket to the Australian Grand Prix, to come away from the event believing you had seen Jenson Button win only for the result to be re-classified two weeks later, it doesn't happen in other sports, why should it happen in this one?
What will happen, will F1 be turned upside down again? Will Torro Rosso and Fernando Alonso be leading the way? Should we bother tuning into the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend when there is a strong possibility the result will be decided two weeks later in court and not at the chequed flag?
I am half expecting Jake Humphrey, Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard and the BBC team to be broadcasting Sunday’s race from a Chinese court complete with gown and wigs.
The clock is ticking for the future of this sport.
Australian Grand Prix Results - If split diffusers deemed illegal
1. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 10pts
2. S. Buemi – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
3. S. Bourdais – (Torro Rosso) – 6pts
4. A. Sutil – (Force India) – 5pts
5. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 4pts
6. G. Fisichella – (Force India) – 3pts
7. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 2pts
8. S. Vettle – (Red Bull) – 1pt ??? – Vettel was the last car to retire.
Expelled Cars: J. Button – (Brawn GP), R. Barrichello – (Brawn GP), J. Trulli – (Toyota), T. Glock – (Toyota), N. Rosberg – (Williams)
Malaysian Grand Prix Results - If split diffusers deemed illegal
1. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 5pts
2. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 4pts
3. L. Hamilton - (McLaren) – 3pts
4. F. Massa – (Ferrari) – 2.5pts
5. S. Bourdais – (Torro Rosso) – 2pts
6. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 1.5pts
7. N. Piquet jnr – (Renault) - 1pt
8. K. Raikkonen – (Ferrari) – 0.5pt
Expelled Cars: J. Button – (Brawn GP), T. Glock – (Toyota), J. Trulli – (Toyota), R. Barrichello – (Brawn GP), N. Rosberg – (Williams)
My prediction, I very much doubt that Lewis Hamilton fortunes this season will turn, seeing him gain a podium and three points. I expect the protests to get thrown out and the current race results recorded in Australia and Malaysia to stand.
However, every fan and Jenson Button tonight waits with baited breath.
*****
Pictures supplied by Getty Images from the BBC.co.uk and tuned.com.
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