Mclaren Now Know Points Appeal Date - page 2

18-08-2007 11:48

The controversy in Hungary occurred towards the end of the final 15-minute qualifying period on Saturday when Alonso was held in his pit box for an additional 20 seconds by the team after taking on new tyres.

The reigning world champion then remained stationary for a further 10 seconds, despite the lollipop lifting allowing him to exit.

Hamilton was left queueing behind Alonso and was ultimately denied the opportunity of a final lap as the Spaniard went on to claim pole.

The incident was later investigated by race stewards and, following a lengthy meeting, the explanations of McLaren and Alonso were rejected.

The stewards deemed Hamilton had been unnecessarily impeded and so demoted Alonso from pole to sixth on the grid, while stating McLaren would not receive any constructors' points from the race.

Although he denied it, Alonso appears to have been reacting to Hamilton's decision not to allow his team-mate past at the start of the third qualifying session.

The Englishman ignored repeated requests to do so, disregarding the team's arrangements on fuel strategy.