Alpine praises “positive” discussions about black and orange flags

A precedent which will have had the merit of raising the question. Since the United States Grand Prix, the use of the black flag with an orange disc (raised to inform the driver concerned that his car has mechanical problems) has been discussed. In Austin, Fernando Alonso had first taken a 30-second penalty for driving without a right mirror at the end of the race, without having been notified by a black flag with an orange disc. Logically, Alpine had contested this sanction and finally won his case a week later, but for another reason since the team Haas had given his protest out of time.

On the sidelines of the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend, Alan Permane returned to this sporting imbroglio. The sports director ofAlpine said he was relieved by the outcome of this episode. “It was great to get this result and I'm really happy and satisfied that things have worked out between us and the FIA. We have had very positive discussions with the FIA ​​technical department and I think they have agreed that things have gone a little too far, said the British engineer. I don't think anyone, maybe other than Haas, thought that having a wing mirror blown off in an accident that wasn't your fault [deserved a black and orange flag]. With what Fernando [Alonso] did, he deserved and should have kept this seventh place. »

“A line has been drawn” according to Alpine

If Alan Permane underlines the constructive and positive dialogue between the French team and the FIA, he also considers that the use of the black and orange flag should be subject to changes. The idea of ​​removing this tool has been put on the table, but does not seem to be on the agenda. The sports director ofAlpine considers that the minor damage does not require the intervention of the orange disc flag. “I think from now on, small non-structural damages like a rear-view mirror, a winglet or on the front wing will not be considered a violation of the black and orange flag. It's still a work in progress, I'm sure the authorities will discuss it further, but a line has been drawn and I hope there will be better racing because of it. »

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