F1 rebels plan to create independent appeal court

Formula One's rebel manufacturers have hit back at the method the FIA court of appeal used last week to ban BAR-Honda for two races by expressing their intention to set up an "independent" appeals process.

Formula One's rebel manufacturers have hit back at the method the FIA court of appeal used last week to ban BAR-Honda for two races by expressing their intention to set up an "independent" appeals process.

This follows a straw poll in the paddock in Spain in which the majority of respondents said they did not believe that the court was sufficiently independent of the FIA. Honda, a major shareholder in BAR, together with fellow Formula One manufacturers BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Renault and Toyota announced yesterday that they have founded a new association to represent their interests.

"Following the events of the past week in Formula One, the manufacturers again confirmed that the issue of sporting governance is central," a statement said. "One of their objectives is to have a definitive interpretation of the applicable regulations through an independent, readily accessible and swift appeals process, administered by an internationally recognised body, in accordance with the practice of other major sports."

The FIA hit back, describing BAR's breach of regulations as "particularly reprehensible" and threatened to consider further action, adding: "The FIA will continue rigorously to enforce the rules. It will also continue to allow competitors access to a court of appeal whose standing and independence has repeatedly been recognised by the civil courts.

"Statements attributed to the management of BAR-Honda are under investigation in the light of the team's obligation to do nothing 'prejudicial to the image and dignity of Formula One racing' or 'prejudicial to the interests of motor sport generally'."