Should Sebastian Vettel’s pole position lap be counted, or deleted?
An issue raised after qualifying, currently doing the rounds on social media sites, shows the Red Bull driver clearly leaving the circuit on two occasions during his 1:25.283 pole lap.
By leaving the circuit, we mean all four of his wheels have clearly crossed the white line, which according to Article 20.2 of the sporting regulations, defines the track limits and mustn’t be crossed at any time.
“Drivers must use the track at all times. For the avoidance of doubt the white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not.”
This and the photographic evidence would clearly find Vettel guilty of gaining an unfair advantage. Whilst the gain would be minimal, less than half a tenth, the gap to second placed man Mark Webber was just +0.044, therefore its quite likely he wouldn’t have been on pole had he not taken what is a very slightly shorter route.
However, crossing the white lines has often been ignored by the stewards, so would it be unfair to penalise Vettel?
Let us know your thought’s below in the comments box and vote in our poll. Also, check out the video below with the points of contention being 0:56 and 1:11.
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