Yuki Tsunoda comes to the rescue after FIA launch Belgian GP investigation

Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda in the garage at Spa
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has escaped a penalty after the FIA launched an investigation into an impeding incident with Yuki Tsunoda at the Belgian Grand Prix.
And the stewards have revealed how Tsunoda helped Gasly avoid a punishment, protesting that his rival did not impede him on track during sprint qualifying at Spa.
Pierre Gasly escapes FIA penalty over Yuki Tsunoda incident
Gasly produced another fine qualifying performance to secure eighth on the grid for Saturday’s mini race at Spa.
Gasly was beaming after forcing his way into the top-10 shootout, telling Alpine over team radio at the end of his SQ2 lap: “That was a **** good lap! Tell me we’re through!”
However, the Frenchman found himself at risk of a grid penalty over an untelevised impeding incident with Tsunoda at Turn 17, otherwise known as Blanchimont, one of the fastest parts of the circuit.
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Gasly and Tsunoda, along with team representatives of Alpine and Red Bull, were required to meet the stewards at 1745 local time in Belgium.
Gasly has escaped a grid drop for Saturday’s sprint race with the FIA taking no further action.
And the stewards’ verdict revealed how Tsunoda fought Gasly’s corner, insisting that the Alpine driver did not impede him with the Red Bull man instead gaining a tow.
It read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 22 (Yuki Tsunoda), the driver of Car 10 (Pierre Gasly), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence.
“The driver of Car 22 stated that he actually received a ‘tow’ from Car 10 and did not have to back off in speed. This was verified by the telemetry.
“He further stated he was not impeded and did not need to take any evasive action.
“In view of the above the Stewards decide to take no further action because no ‘unnecessary impeding’ occurred.
“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.”
Gasly and Tsunoda spent two full seasons as team-mates at the Racing Bulls (then AlphaTauri) across 2021/22, with the former acting as a mentor to the Japanese driver before joining Alpine for 2023.
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