Gabriel Bortoleto has confirmed the rationale by Audi for appealing the decision not to penalise Yuki Tsunoda for being out of place on the grid at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
Tsunoda became entangled in Audi’s crosshairs, when he pulled up onto the grid at Monza out of position, causing another formation lap.
At this point, Audi expected for the Racing Bulls to dive into the pit lane to start, but the Japanese driver was instead allowed to take his P17 grid spot.
Rising to 10th, he took the last points place, denying Bortoleto and Audi after the Brazilian battled in the lower midfield across the race.
During the Media day FIA Press Conference on Thursday, Bortoleto outlined Audi’s position, stating that Tsunoda is in clear violation of the regulations.
“I think it’s quite straightforward in the rules,” he said.
“When a driver causes an extra formation lap, he must start from the pit lane and, in that case, Yuki didn’t.
“So, I think that’s the reason why Audi is appealing. We are appealing the results. You know, for us, it counts as a point if we get the position, so every point counts and, I mean, what’s right is right at the end of the day.”
Gabriel Bortoleto gives thoughts on the Madring
Giving his take on the Madring ahead of F1, Bortoleto stated his hope for a competitive outing at F1’s newest track.
“I mean, it’s very, as both of them said, I think it’s a very challenging track,” he said.
“It’s, you know, a lot of blind corners and banking, up and down. I think it’s going to be, you know, quite interesting also to see how we’re going to, as a driver, adapt to it, but at the same time set up our car.
“But I’m optimistic. I think it’s going to be a good weekend. I think the track, at least in the simulator, was very cool to drive, lots of combined braking. So, you know, that’s the type of track I like as well. So, yeah, looking forward to heading to the track tomorrow.”
Bortoleto and Audi are entitled to appeal the result, but its success is far from guaranteed.
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