Honda excluded from Hungary and Morocco results

The cars of Honda have been excluded from the results of the last two rounds of the World Touring Car Championship following an investigation by the technical delegate and the stewards at the Nürburgring, which found the team’s flat floors and rear hatch not in compliance with the technical regulations.

The investigation which was first announced in Hungary at the end of last month has continued on as the technical delegate investigated the team’s flat floor, which has now included the rear hatch in respect of Hungary’s results.

The stewards confirmed on Thursday night their decision, stating:

“Part(s) belong to car numbers 5, 12, 17 and 55, Flat floor 2015 – front section B has been found not in compliance with the regulations of the 2016 FIA WTCC as follows:

“1. It is different to the part featuring in the homologation form extension 5747 210/07 ER as well as the part presented during the homologation inspection, breach of article 263.003 and 263.004 of Appendix J.

“2. Its construction is not in compliance with the definition of composite applicable at the time of the homologation of the extension A5747 210/01 ER (Article 251.2.1.11 of the Appendix J), breach of article 263.902 of Appendix J.

“Decision: exclusion from the event(s)”

The exclusion applies to all three factory cars as well as the privateer entry of Ferenc Ficza for Zengo Motorsport. Tiago Monteiro, who is second in the championship, stands to lose his two podium results from the last two weekends while Rob Huff would lose his Morocco race victory, and all points scored during the races and qualifying.

Honda have already stated their intention to appeal the decision.

“We are total convinced that our flat floors are in full compliance with the current FIA World Touring Car Championship technical regulations,” said the team in a statement.

“Appeals will therefore be lodged against all decisions.”