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FIA offering million-dollar reward
For proof of cheating teams

According to latest reports, the FIA is planning to offer a reward for any information that a team in the Formula one series is cheating once the new regulations governing the ban of electronic devises in the series comes into effect. They are said to be offering a reward of a million dollars to any one reporting infringements on the new rules as part of their determination to take a tough stance on the issue.

The reason electronic aids such as launch control and traction control were reintroduced from the 2002 Spanish Grand Prix was that they were said to be too hard for the FIA to police adequately. Allegations were constantly being thrown around pit lane regarding various teams illegally using the systems, however they could never be proven.

So, to make it fair to the teams not using the devices, hence certain teams gaining an advantage, the FIA allowed the systems back into play. But now, due to all the uproar in the 2001 season that saw declining TV audiences as fans turned away from the series, the sports governing body has decided to remove all electronic assistance once and for all and the promised reward is added incentive to make sure it stays away, once and for all.

While it is looking increasingly as if they will remain in play this year, as most of the new cars already have the systems on board, the FIA are determined that 2004 will be run electronically Unassisted. As well as the million dollar reward, there will also be heavy fines for anyone caught using the aids illegally.

“Driver aids cannot be used from 2004 but we are becoming increasingly sceptical of the teams' inability to switch off all launch control and other driver aids for the 2003 season," a source from the FIA told Reuters newsagency. "We are considering very heavy fines for any team found to be using illegal systems. And, in addition to our own technical inspections, we are also considering a $1 million reward for the receipt of any information, which will lead to the conviction of a team found to be acting illegally. The FIA has already made it clear that we intend to work on a zero-tolerance basis."

bron:www.f1-live.com