After additional research by the FIA Mika ...

Published on 04 September 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

After additional research by the FIA Mika Hakkinen has been robbed of his third place in Belgium for using a non conforming fuel. Additionally the McLaren team has been fined $50.000. The FIA however accepted that McLaren and its fuel supplier were acting in good faith and has just made an unintentional mistake. Initially Hakkinen was put back on the starting grid but got his fifth spot back after protests from his team, pending further investigation.

Olivier Panis has made his comeback in a race car yesterday, less than three months after a heavy crash in Canada were he broke both of his legs. Yesterday Olivier made some runs in an F3 car on the circuit of Le Castellet. He didn't feel at his best but felt quite comfortable. He is expected to make his F1 debut again next week at Le Castellet.

The battle for next year's services of Giancarlo Fisichella between Benetton and Jordan has now moved up to the High Court in London. Lawyers from both teams persuaded the court to have an immediate hearing next week because of the urgency of the matter.

Australia will not lose it's Grand Prix due to a ban on tobacco advertisement. The federal government has ignored a recommendation to put a total ban on tobacco sponsorship for sporting events. Both the F1 Grand Prix and the motorcycle Grand Prix will be exempted from the ban that is now in place.