...or rough justice?

… or rough justice?

Sir,

I have had time to read the analyses in the weekly specialist press and the national newspapers, and have replayed my video of the incident countless times. While I can see that, at first glance, Eddie Irvine appears to be 100 per cent culpable for the accident that provoked so much comment in Brazil, I wonder how many members of the FIA tribunal have ever been faced with a suddenly slowing object directly in front of them whilst travelling at around 200 mph?

A few years ago, it was mooted that former drivers should play a part whenever disciplinary action needed to be taken, yet I am not aware that there are any Stewarts, Brabhams, Rosbergs or even Prosts assisting the FIA in such matters. A lot of Irvine’s post-race comments seemed credible to me. I wonder whether the FIA is qualified to judge a driver’s evidence first-hand? It seems to me that his punishment was based on cumulative evidence, carried over from Suzuka. If that’s the case, the FIA should come clean and say so. I don’t recall any of the other drivers screaming for Irvine’s incarceration in the immediate aftermath. Could it be that they understood the situation better than those casting judgement? Chris Thorpe, Davenham,

Cheshire.