Mike Coughlan joins Williams after Stepneygate sentence

[Tamburello]

In case people haven't noticed, F1 is an FIA sanctioned series, and it is the FIA's rules which must be adhered to. There's no point arguing about external rules and regulations.

If the FIA wanted a life ban for Coughlan, they should have gave him such a sentence. They instead gave a 2 year ban and so Coughlan has every right to be working after that period.

[Rob01]

Everyone who has ever cheated in F1 has been allowed back in. It's a cut throat shark tank and not meant for the meek. Those screaming about Coughlin should also remember that Stephney was kept on the Ferrari payroll after putting white powder in a Ferrari gas tank. They kept the disgruntled employee on the payroll and let him have access to the Ferrari manual. Max said the infraction was 10 million and the rest was because Ron was a twit. It was way more political than felonious. Matter of fact both McLaren drivers even kept their points and were allowed to stay in the championship. Using the two or three tenths Alonso worked out of the Ferrari manual.

[Just_a_fan]

No it's not. It's only cheating if you get caught.

No. Cheating is cheating irrespective of being caught. Being caught just means one is an idiot and a cheat rather than just a cheat...

[Just_a_fan]

In case people haven't noticed, F1 is an FIA sanctioned series, and it is the FIA's rules which must be adhered to. There's no point arguing about external rules and regulations.

Umm, if someone breaks the law in a country then they should also face the legal sanction from the law irrespective of what the FIA might think/want. It's lucky for many in F1 that the FIA seems to been able to keep the relevant national legal processes away over the years.

It's not unusual in sport though - football also seems to be able to protect players from legal action following some actions that would, on the high street, lead to prosecution.

[Tamburello]

Sports have special dispensation to 'break laws' otherwise most violent sports such as Boxing would be completely illegal.

[gridwalker]

@ Just_a_fan : This entirely depends upon whether the victim wishes to press charges; Ferrari dropped charges relating to the incident, indicating that they had been "convinced" to avoid dragging the sport's name through the mud any further ...

I can't help but wonder how much of that epic fine was used to appease the men in red.

[Just_a_fan]

Sports have special dispensation to 'break laws' otherwise most violent sports such as Boxing would be completely illegal.

Boxing is legal simply because it is carried out by the mutual consent of the combatants. Volenti non fit injuria would apply.

Where e.g. a footballer goes in to a tackle with the intention of breaking another player's leg (and that has been seen on numerous occasions) then there is the very real risk of a prosecution for GBH. It never seems to happen though - the sport closes ranks it seems. "Difficult to prove intent" etc.

[Hangaku]

@ Just_a_fan : This entirely depends upon whether the victim wishes to press charges; Ferrari dropped charges relating to the incident, indicating that they had been "convinced" to avoid dragging the sport's name through the mud any further ...

I can't help but wonder how much of that epic fine was used to appease the men in red.

On 29 September 2010, Stepney was sentenced to 20 months in prison and handed a €600 fine for his part in the spy affair, after being found guilty of “sabotage, industrial espionage, sporting fraud and attempted serious injury". The sentence was reportedly reduced after he entered a plea bargain. However under the Italian legal system it is believed to be unlikely that he will serve the sentence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Stepney

No such charge for Coughlan, yet McLaren handed a big fine. And no charge for Ferrari, but one for Stepney. So, who is right here? Scapegoats all over the place, the whole kit and kaboodle is a mess of lies and misdrection, and should be treated as nothing more.

[WhiteBlue]

In case people haven't noticed, F1 is an FIA sanctioned series, and it is the FIA's rules which must be adhered to. There's no point arguing about external rules and regulations.

If the FIA wanted a life ban for Coughlan, they should have gave him such a sentence. They instead gave a 2 year ban and so Coughlan has every right to be working after that period.

F1 technical directors and other leading people need an FiA license as of 1.January 2011. That applies to Coughlan as well. Williams would not employ him unless they were sure they will get a license for him. I'm pretty sure Coughlan is ok in Todt's book, which will also apply to Symonds by the time he has done his penalty. The only guy who will not get a license again IMO is Briatore. For him it would be a waste of time to apply. They have set the license system up with people like him specifically in mind. Coughlan and Symonds have confessed and done or are doing their time. They may not be employable by their former teams (due to wrecked relationships) but they can generally work in F1, which is fair IMO.

[Rob01]

Flav will be back. Everyone in the circus is allowed back in. Ferrari had him in the pits this year. It may take time but if he wants back in, I am sure he will be welcome.