Can Perez still race in the Belgian Grand Prix? "This is not Le Mans"

It seems, with the long postponement leading up to the GP and the current interruption due to rain, that Red Bull Racing may be able to pull off another repair miracle. Sergio Perez skidded off the track on the way to the grid and it looked like his race was over. But at Red Bull they have now checked with the FIA whether it would be possible to allow Perez to take part again.

In a conversation between the FIA and Red Bull, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley asked if it would be possible to still put Perez on the grid."I think that's a no. He has had help from outside to return to the pitlane," was Michael Masi's initial response to Wheatley's question. To that, Red Bull had a clear answer.

"This is not a Le Mans, so I think he can compete. Mechanical support only counts if the race has already started." 

Since the race hasn't started yet and the safety car was only doing laps under the formation laps, the race hasn't officially started yet. Masi vindicated Red Bull and the question now lies with the stewards.