10 Sep 2008

McLaren proceed with Belgian Grand Prix appeal

6:07 am on 10 September 2008

The McLaren formula one team have lodged a formal appeal against a stewards' decision to strip their world championship leader Lewis Hamilton of victory in last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

But formula one's governing body still has to decide whether an appeal against a time penalty is admissible, and the controversy is sure to hang over next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

McLaren's chief executive Martin Whitmarsh says Race Control at the Belgian grand prix had twice confirmed to McLaren on Sunday afternoon that they were comfortable with Hamilton's behaviour on the track, before the stewards docked him 25 seconds for an illegal passing manoeuvre, relegating him to third place and slashing his world championship points lead from 8 to 2 points.