The deputy team principal of Hyundai Motorsport, Julien Moncet, reveals at DirtFish that his team will not appeal to FIA for Thierry Neuville's time penalty at Rally Croatia.
The Belgian driver received a fine 1.900€ and a one-minute time penalty on Friday after breaking the speed limits in Croatia. As result of this time penalty, he dropped two places and was fourth overall before the start of the Saturday's morning loop.
More specifically, he was facing an alternator issue with his i20N at the end of the morning loop of Friday and was driving fast with the intention of being in time for the time control. He was driving at 156 Km/h for 11 Kilometers while the speed limit was at 80 Km/h.
Despite the fact that he was running fast enough not to delay at the time control, the engine of i20N stopped, so Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe had to push their car for 800 meters to arrive at the time check control.
In addition to the fine and the time penalty, the crew has to perform public services duties for two days at the decretion of FIA for this infringement.
To make an appeal to FIA, Hyundai should collect data and evidence and prove that Neuville's driving was safe for the public and did not put anyone in danger with his actions.
"As a team we have decided not to go ahead with the appeal", Moncet said.
"We do not contest the mistake, but we still find the time penalty is severe sporting-wise".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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