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Abiteboul attacks Racing Point: I would find it quite ironic

Abiteboul attacks Racing Point: "I would find it quite ironic"

05-12-2020 10:50 Last update: 11:46
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GPblog.com

After being quiet for a while, the tension between Racing Point and Renault has flared up again. Racing Point is not happy with the fact that Fernando Alonso is allowed to drive in the young driver test for Renault.

Young driver test

That test is actually intended for drivers who have completed a maximum of two Grands Prix, but for Alonso the FIA has made an exception. Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer is not happy with this development: "I’ve got to understand the rules. I was surprised to see Fernando being allowed to test, so we have got to have that discussion with the FIA. I think the rules are pretty clear – it’s a young driver test and a two-time world champion almost in his forties or in his forties to me isn’t a young driver," says Szafnauer according to Motorsport.com.

According to Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul there is nothing weird going on. "There is an indication of young drivers, plus anyone that the FIA will give permission to. And that's in the absolute right of the FIA to do that," says the Frenchman.

Copied car

"So if Otmar wants to build a claim against the FIA, that would be quite rich, keeping in mind that we will know that they have an illegal car," Abiteboul continues. He refers to the fact that Racing Point is still driving a copied 2019 Mercedes. "We have accepted to settle that one. But if you want to have a go now at the FIA, I would find it quite ironic."