The Sauber F1 team have announced that they will not appeal their expulsion from the Australian Grand Prix results, following a thorough examination of the facts.
The two drivers, Sergio Pérez and Kamui Kobayashi, had crossed the finish line in Melbourne in seventh and eighth place respectively, but were subsequently excluded from the results.
The post-race scrutineering check by the race stewards revealed that a radius on the upper rear wing element on Pérez’ and Kobayashi’s cars contravened the regulations by a few millimetres.
Whilst it didn’t bring about an advantage, the team have decided it would be useless to appeal the decision.
“It did not bring us any performance advantage, but the fact is that it was a deviation from the regulations. We take note of the stewards’ decision,” said James Key, the team’s Technical Director.
In the meantime, the Sauber F1 Team has carried out a comprehensive internal investigation.
“We have since found that there was an error in the checking process for the relevant dimension on this component. We have already put measures in place to ensure that nothing of this kind occurs again in the future,” added Key.
The decision came as a particular blow to the two drivers Sergio Pérez and Kamui Kobayashi. Team Principal Peter Sauber commented: “Both Sergio and Kamui put in a tremendous performance on Sunday. They gained no advantage from the inaccurate rear wing. They both fought hard to secure their finishing places and had really earned their points. Notwithstanding the disappointment, we have shown that we have a fast car and two highly talented drivers. It makes me optimistic for this season.”
