No action by stewards on Toro Rosso protest

Stewards at the Malaysian Grand Prix have rejected Spyker's protest against Toro Rosso as the FIA has stated that it would be 'inappropriate' for the stewards to act when Spyker has already launched an arbitration proceeding. Originally it seemed that Super Aguri was the only team that Spyker had actually taken action over but apparently Toro Rosso is also involved.

"Spyker have made an application for arbitration and must by definition therefore be deemed to accept that a dispute such as this (the grounds of the protest being effectively the same as that matter to be determined in arbitration) does not fall within the range of disputes to be settled under the FIA 2007 Formula One Sporting Code," said the FIA statement.

"It is considered therefore that it would be entirely inappropriate for the Stewards to involve themselves in a matter being dealt with at the instigation and election of the protestor, Spyker, in an entirely different forum. It follows that this protest is inadmissible and the protest fee is accordingly returned."

Rumour has it that Spyker boss Colin Kolles has evidence of the Toro Rosso STR2 bearing Red Bull branding, as opposed to Red Bull Technology, the company that allegedly supplies the parts. Both Scott Speed and Tonio Liuzzi were on track in the Friday practices at Sepang but apparently Toro Rosso already has a lawyer present ready for action.

It seems that Bernie Ecclestone is trying to find a solution to the situation but Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger told Autosport.com that he's not interested in a compromise with Spyker. "If we are not right, we have to do it different," Berger stated. "And if we are right then we do not have to do anything different."

Spyker's arbitration proceedings will be heard in Switzerland at the International Chamber of Commerce, as it is in regard to the Concorde Agreement rather than FIA regulations. It's not yet known when the case will be dealt with but for the moment there is not likely to be any further action taken in Malaysia.