06/03/2005
NEWS STORY
It was obvious that sooner or later, some enterprising team strategist would take full advantage of the loophole in the new engine rule and 'retire' a car with the sole aim of having a fresh engine for the next race.
However, few of us thought that it would happen at the very first race, and that a team would use the ploy for both its cars to boot.
The fact that Jenson Button posted his fastest lap of the race on the lap before he was 'retired' is simply rubbing our noses in it.
No wonder, when interviewed in the pitlane at the end of the race, the Englishman looked suitably embarrassed.
It's a cheats charter... let's close the loophole now.