Ralf loses appeal but gets $50,000 fine instead

Ralf was involved in an accident with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, both of whom appeared at the hearing.

But rather than see him loses ten places on the starting grid for this weekends Hungarian Grand Prix the FIA imposed a fine of $50,000.

The statement form the FIA read: "Having heard the explanations of the parties and examined the various documents and other evidence, the Court confirmed the Stewards' findings against Ralf Schumacher but considered that the sanction imposed (a loss of 10 places on the starting grid at his next Grand Prix) was inappropriate and substituted a fine of 50,000 $US.

It appeared to the Court, in particular from reading the report by Peter Wright (technical and safety consultant) analysing Accident Data Recorder information, not available to the Stewards, that some responsibility might possibly be imputed to the other two drivers involved in the incident. The Court decided that the case should be referred back to the Panel of the Stewards of the German Grand Prix so that the conduct of Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen can be considered in light of the evidence from Mr Wright.

The International Court of Appeal was presided over by Mr Philippe Roberti de Winghe (Belgium), and composed of Mr Pedro Romero (Spain), Mr Vassilis Koussis (Greece) and Mr Harry Duijm (Netherlands)."

It would appear that the FIA did feel that there was enough evidence under which the on-track behaviour of Barrichello and Raikkonen at the time of the accident needs to be investigated further.

Even with the severity of the fine imposed Ralf can be thankful that his chances of closing the points lead in the Drivers championship have not been hindered. Now he will be ale to start the Hungarian Grand Prix from the grid position that he achieves based on his qualifying times.