FIA scrutinises Turkish ceremony

[Mr Kleen]

FIA scrutinises Turkish ceremony

Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, is set to investigate the prize-giving ceremony at Sunday's Turkish GP.

Race winner Felipe Massa was presented with his trophy by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

He was introduced as president of the Turkish Cypriot "state" - which is only recognised by Turkey - in a TV caption.

"The FIA has launched a full investigation and is concerned that its political neutrality may have been compromised," said an FIA spokesman.

The spokesman did not say what the consequences would be, but the matter could potentially jeopardise the race's place in the 2007 calendar.

Cyprus has been split since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the northern part of the Mediterranean island after a Greek-inspired coup.

The Greek-Cypriot controlled south is the internationally recognised government, representing the whole island in forums such as the European Union.

The FIA said in a statement that political neutrality was fundamental to its role as a governing body.

"No compromise or violation of this neutrality is acceptable," it added.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsp ... 295052.stm

[Sabre]

Man, "can't we all get along" seems appropriate....

[Mr Kleen]

I thought it was interesting how such a small phrase has such far-reaching connotations.

I actually watched some of the Turkish GP on Sunday. I'm not a big F1 fan but it was nice to see something on SPEED that wasn't NASCRAP related.

[Sabre]