Red Bull have appealed against Daniel Ricciardo’s disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix.
The Australian, 24, was excluded because his car was using more fuel than allowed and Red Bull refused to reduce the flow when told by officials. Red Bull say the fuel-flow meters provided by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, had shown “inconsistencies” and they and engine supplier Renault believe they were in “full compliance”. No appeal date has yet been set. This year, Formula 1 engines must have a fuel-flow rate of no more than 100kg/h at full throttle. It is the first year of a new engine formula, which has seen the introduction of 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids with a limited fuel allowance. The fuel-flow rate in the engine is measured by a sensor provided by an external supplier. Teams also measure their engines’ fuel-flow at the injectors. Any irregularities of readings are analysed by the FIA and, if necessary, the teams are given a correction to apply. Teams are obliged to follow the FIA’s guidelines – and to use the data from the official sensor to interpret their fuel-flow. The stewards’ verdict on Sunday said Red Bull had been given the
“opportunity to be within compliance” during the race – which ended with Ricciardo crossing the line in second behind Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg – but chose not to reduce their fuel-flow. Red Bull said it refused the adjustment because “inconsistencies with the FIA fuel-flow meter have been prevalent all weekend up and down the pit lane”. Teams were warned before the race that rule violations would lead to disqualifications. – BBC Sports
