Zero Tolerance position by FIA

By Andrew Hooper
January 18 2003


	FIA takes zero-tolerance stand

	With the banning of aids such as traction and launch control the FIA now finds itself in the same position prior to the re-introduction of these systems, in that they will find the enforcement of these banns difficult if not impossible. Despite this difficulty the FIA is now making it clear that they will be taking a very tough stand in relation to any team caught using them. "Driver aids cannot be used from 2004 but we are becoming increasingly sceptical of the teams' inability to switch off all launch control and other driver aids for the 2003 season," the source told Reuters. "We are considering very heavy fines for any team found to be using illegal systems." In conjunction with this tough stand the FIA is also going to encourage "whistleblowers" to come forward and provide evidence of cheating. The FIA is going to offer a $1 million reward to anyone who provides this evidence. An International Automobile Federation (FIA) spokesman confirmed the offer had been made to encourage "whistleblowers"> The source said: "And, in addition to our own technical inspections, we are also considering a $1 million reward for the receipt of any information which will lead to the conviction of a team found to be acting illegally. "The FIA has already made it clear that we intend to work on a zero-tolerance basis."