F1 teams given Melbourne go-ahead

Motorsport’s governing body has rejected a protest made by three Formula One teams about the legality of certain cars.

With the new season starting in Australia on Sunday, the FIA has ruled that the cars of Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams are all legal.

Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault claimed a crucial part at the back of the cars does not conform to new F1 regulations.

The protesting teams have said they will appeal against the decision.

BMW Sauber also originally protested but it was thrown out because their paperwork was not correctly submitted.

The initial verdict was delivered after a six-hour hearing, after which race stewards rejected the complaint.

An intent to appeal has been lodged – assuming the teams go ahead with this, it would be heard following next weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Jenson Button insisted the Brawn GP cars were “100% legal”.

From: news.bbc.co.uk