Alonso Penalised, Da Matta Injured

Alonso has been penalised for his erratic driving in Free Practice yesterday, apparently he was blocked by Robert Doornbos, and when he overtook he waved his fist, weaved in front of Doornbos's Red Bull Racer and brake tested him several times, and also for overtaking another car after the session had finished, under waved yellow flags. The FIA Stewards have decidied that this is unacceptable and dangerous and have served a penalty of two seconds be added to each of Alonso's Qualifying laps today - thereby killing any chance of a good grid position for tomorrow's race.

Briatore has slammed the FIA for tinkering with the World Championship, questioning why they have decided that the Mass Damper system is now against regulations even though Renault have been using it for almost a year, and six other teams have used it this season. He also wonders if a certai red team has influenced the FIA's decision in this matter - he has a point, after all, it wouldn't be the first time....

---

Just to remind us how dangerous Motorsport is, former Toyota F1 driver Christiano Da Matta is currently in intensive care after hitting a Deer during Champ Car Open Testing at Road America on Thursday. He has sustained serious head injuries and is under close observation. I hope he makes a full recovery, my thoughts go out to him and his family and friends at this time.