Honda appeals WTCC exclusions over floor parts

After the flat floor of four Civics - including the independent Zengo Motorsport entry of Ferenc Ficza - was cleared as compliant in Hungary following an initial investigation, a second investigation was launched in Morocco into the compliance of three parts on the floor.

Stewards at last weekend's meeting at the Nurburgring convened to consider the evidence of FIA technical delegate Manuel Leal's technical report, as well as submissions from Honda and Zengo.

They found that the floor did not comply with the regulations, excluding the four cars from the two meetings.

Honda rejected that ruling, issuing a statement on Friday after the stewards' decision had been released insisting that it would appeal the decision.

"We strongly disagree with the content of the technical report that has led to stewards' decision no.1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8," it read.

"We are totally convinced that our flat floors are in full compliance with the current FIA World Touring Car Championship technical regulations.

"Appeals will therefore be lodged against all decisions."

Notices of intent must be submitted within one hour of a decision being made official.

The JAS Motorsport-run team lodged its notice of intent to appeal on Thursday evening.

It has now formally lodged its appeal via the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), which is JAS's ASN (national sporting authority), against the decisions relating to its three factory cars.

It is waiting to be given a hearing date.

It is currently unclear whether Zengo will also appeal its exclusion.

Despite insisting its innocence, the factory Honda team reverted to its previous specification floor for last Friday and Saturday's events at the Nurburgring, meaning its results from the meeting are not in question.

Tiago Monteiro had been on course to win the opening race before sustaining a tyre failure on the final lap of race one, while team-mate Norbert Michelisz scored two podium finishes.

Rob Huff finished both races in fourth in the third Civic, including a storming drive from the rear of the field in the opening race.