Thursday July 25th, 2002

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who was scheduled to participate in the FIA's Thursday press conference, did not arrive at the Hockenheim circuit, after his plane broke down.

The Ferrari driver, who did not start last weekend's French Grand Prix due to mechanical problems on his car, had to take a commercial flight from Portugal into Germany instead but could not make it in time to participate in any of Thursday's media events.

The FIA's sporting regulations set a fine of up to $25,000 to any driver who misses the official press conference, however the race stewards decided to exempt the Brazilian from any penalty due to circumstances beyond his control.

"The Stewards of the Meeting received a report from the FIA Press Delegate, which stated that the Driver of car number 2 (Rubens Barrichello) did not attend the scheduled FIA Press Conference," the stewards' decision reads.

"Having heard an explanation from the Driver, the Stewards accept that the Driver made every effort to attend the conference and that the Team kept The FIA Press Delegate and Stewards of the Meeting informed of the situation at all times. The Stewards decide that no further action is necessary."

Click here for the Stewards' report.

Published at 17:11:36 GMT

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