The appeal hearing of Renault begins in Paris

The hearing of Renault’s appeal against its race suspension for the European Grand Prix began in Paris this morning. Engineering director Pat Symonds and technical director Bob Bell represent the French manufacturer at the hearing. Race director Charlie Whiting is the FIA representative.

The team received a race ban from the FIA after being caught violating Article 23.1, which requires that cars be released from the pits safely and only when they are safe.

Fernando Alonso made his first pit stop during the Hungarian Grand Prix and was released, but with a poorly secured front right wheel. The wheel came off the car at turn 9. The FIA then reviewed videos and radio recordings. It decided to suspend Renault for one Grand Prix.

The incident occurred the day after Felipe Massa’s accident. The Brazilian was urgently hospitalized after being struck by a spring in his helmet area. This component came from Rubens Barrichello’s (Brawn GP) car. This event happened exactly one week after Henry Surtees was killed in Formula 2 under similar circumstances.

If Renault’s appeal is rejected, the team will not be able to participate in the Valencia street race where Fernando Alonso is at home. If the team is allowed access to the Spanish paddocks, GP2 driver Romain Grosjean is expected to be promoted as a race driver in place of Nelson Piquet. The verdict of the hearing is not expected to be revealed until tomorrow, Tuesday.