Dog allowed to start Indian Grand Prix
Fido, the stray dog who found his way onto the circuit in India, has been given permission to start the race after an appeal by Ferrari was thrown out by the stewards.
In a shock result, Fido set the fastest lap time at the Buddh International Circuit during Friday's free practice session. However, Ferrari protested against his entry, claiming his tail was a moveable aerodynamic part that gave Fido "up to seven points of downforce". Stewards initially agreed, prohibiting Fido from entering the race, but reversed the decision this morning after finding that his tail moved within acceptable limits during the sit, shake and roll over load test.
"We're disappointed," Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicalli said. "Fido's tail clearly wags when he is racing, and when he was asked to demonstrate the importance of this part, all he could say is 'woof'. When we experimented with a moving wing earlier this week, we were told it was an illegal aerodynamic part. We intend to protest the decision to let Fido race at the next meeting for the World Motorsports Council."
Others in the paddock, however, welcomed the decision to let Fido race.
"There's nothing wrong with my driving style, no," Lewis Hamilton said, compeltely ignoring the question. "I see no reason to change it."
"I'm excited for him," Jenson Button said, completely ignoring Hamilton. "We'd never heard of Fido until today, but he's clearly a promising new talent. I think a lot of people will be following his progress with interest."
Fido was unavailable for comment, though a spokesperson said that he did chase is tail. He will start the race from sixth.
