FIA Ban Covers on Safety Grounds (Updated)

The FIA have announced that teams will no longer be allowed to use covers or screens in the pitlane for the remainder of the 2002 Grand Prix season because of safety concerns.

In a statement, the FIA declared the decision was "to allow the clerk of the course, the scrutineers and pit observers to properly carry out their duties."

No obstruction that obscures any part of a car will be allowed in the pitlane or garages at any time except in special cases, which must be agreed with the FIA safety delegate.

The covers and screens were used to prevent spying, but with television pictures and photographs so readily available their removal is unlikely to make much difference to team secrecy.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said he believed the ruling was for all races and as long as it was the same for everybody then he did not have any "great discomfort" with it.

"We don't really have a lot to hide," he said.