Ferrari biding time on tyre issue

The FIA may have declared the tyre issued closed after Michelin produced rubber that conformed to the 270 mm width rule in time for Monza, but Ferrari is still considering a complaint in regard to previous races this season. Ferrari and tyre partner Bridgestone claim that Michelin's tyres have exceeded the width rule, after use, for some time.

"Depending on how the events turn out, I am still considering, until 30 November, to resort to article 179," said team boss Jean Todt. "It is a possibility open to us. First we need to decide if we apply this possibility and then challenge. We know we can do it if we want. Whether we will succeed or not, that we don't know, but we will make the decision after having analysed whether it's worth doing it or not -- and it is not a decision we take easily."

Article 179 of the FIA International Sporting Code (in this case 179b) relates to the Right of Review, where 'a new element is discovered', regardless if stewards had already ruled on the matter. An appeal for review can be lodged up until 30th November of the current year.

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn was quoted at the beginning of the tyre row as saying "is now clear that a large number of the Michelin teams were running illegal tyres for a considerable amount of time". The team claims it never lodged a complaint until the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite being suspicious before then, because it had no evidence.

Whether the FIA would consider a further complaint is yet to be seen, but F1's governing body said prior to Monza: "As far as the FIA technical department is concerned, the matter is now closed and the Championship can continue with all teams on an equal footing."