Team orders review pleases Ferrari

Ferrari emerged from Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council hearing with a smile on their face after a decision was taken to review the regulation relating to team orders.

Although still forced to pay the 100,000 US Dollars fine imposed by stewards after a controversial German Grand Prix in July, Ferrari could not be happier.

In essence, Ferrari have still been found guilty of breaking the rules as the WMSC upheld the stewards' decision, and the team will also have to pay the FIA's costs towards the hearing. But behind the closed doors of the FIA headquarters overlooking the Place de la Concorde in Paris, Ferrari were able to convince the 26-man Council the rule is unworkable and is in need of a rethink.

A statement from the FIA read: "After an in-depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted, the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of a 100,000 US Dollars fine for infringing article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA.

"The judging body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula One Sporting Working Group."

For now, Ferrari will care little as they had their day in court and won through, much to their delight as highlighted in their statement.

It read: "Ferrari has taken note of the decision of the FIA World Council, relating to the outcome of this year's German Grand Prix and wishes to express its appreciation of the Council's proposal to review article 39.1 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, in light of what emerged during the discussions.

"Now, all the team's efforts will be focused on the next event on track, when the Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza this weekend."

The decision means Alonso, who could easily have been stripped of his victory, remains in the hunt for a third drivers' title as he trails championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 41 points.

As for Ferrari, their hopes of the constructors' crown would have been extinguished if they had lost the 43 points from the race, but they also remain intact as they are 80 points adrift of Red Bull.