TAG Heuer Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa has been disqualified from the Misano E-Prix Round 6 as the throttle damper spring on Car #13 was not found in conformity with one of three optional declared items. As a result, the cars beneath da Costa in the original race classification move up a slot, meaning Nissan’s Oliver Rowland inherits the race win. The full decision by the FIA is as follows:
“The Team Manager and the representative of the manufacturer explained that since the beginning of Season 9, they have not changed the Throttle Damper Spring. The Team Manager accepted that the sealed part, as shown in the attachment of the Technical Report 13 was mounted in Car 13 and was sealed in the presence of the Chief Mechanic of the team. The Team Manager stated also that on the Spark list (pedals) the sealed part is not listed. He explained that normally, changes of the Spark catalogue are highlighted so everybody can see the changes, but not removals. The FIA Technical Delegate confirmed this procedure. The representatives of Spark confirmed that this part was listed on the part list of the GEN2 cars, but not on the current GEN3 car. They also confirmed that the removal of parts from that catalogue are not highlighted nor canceled. The competitor is responsible for the conformity of the car and even if there is no performance advantage the car has to comply with the Regulations (Article 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code). Due to this result the car has to be disqualified from the race and the next cars move up in the classification.”
Porsche have declared their intention to appeal, they have 96 hours to confirm.
