FIA to Issue Ferrari Verdict During the Italian GP

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) will likely not hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the Ferrari team orders saga from last weekend's German Grand Prix, at Hockenheim. According to several media reports, it seems the nearest date the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) will use to discuss this affair will be in the first day of practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

Blick (Switzerland), Turun Sanomat (Finland), Autosprint (Italy), Bild (Germany) and Marca (Spain) all suggested that the WMSC will discuss the matter on September 10, prior to the Italian Grand Prix.

Shortly after the German Grand Prix last weekend, Ferrari was handed a $100,000 penalty by the FIA stewards for issuing team orders in the race – a fine that was not disputed by the Italian team – and was referred to the FIA's WMSC for potential further penalties.

“The case will also be referred to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for further consideration,” confirmed the stewards' statement after the Hockenheim race.

The only official thing coming from the FIA in recent days is that the governing body is yet to set a date for that hearing.

In case the reports are true, ask yourselves one question: Will the FIA hand Ferrari a hard penalty prior to the very home race of the Italian manufacturer? Consider the fact that the ruling body is now headed by the very man (Jean Todt) who maximized team tactics within the Scuderia lineup back in the Michael Schumacher days.

According to reports however, Todt will not take part in the disciplinary proceedings.