The following hearing of the International Court of Appeal took place in Paris on Thursday 28 February 2013:

Appeal lodged by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) on behalf of its licence-holder, Marc VDS Racing Team, against a decision of the Spanish National Court of Appeal dated 15 November 2012 – Event run in Navarra (Spain) on 13 and 14 October 2012 and counting towards the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series Championship

On 14 October 2012, Car N°3 of Competitor Marc VDS Racing Team lodged a protest against Car N°1 of Competitor Belgian Audi Club Team WRT alleging that the use of the air jack connection to ground the car is not allowed, according to articles 89, 90 and 92 of the Regulations.  In his report, the Technical Delegate stated that it is allowed, that the videos proved that the first operation performed by Car N°1 during the pit was to connect a device to ground the car and that the use of the air jack to lift the car was made only after the refuelling operation was completed.  On the basis of this technical report, the panel of the stewards decided to reject the protest.

On 14 October 2012, the Competitor Marc VDS Racing Team notified his intention to appeal the decision of the Panel of the Stewards before the Spanish National Court of Appeal.

On 15 November 2012, the Spanish National Court of Appeal confirmed the decision of the Panel of the Stewards.

On 18 December 2012, the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) on behalf of its licence-holder, Marc VDS Racing Team, decided to appeal this decision before the International Court of Appeal

Decision of the International Court of Appeal

The Court, after having heard the parties and examined their submissions, decided to:

1. declare that the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT committed a breach of Article 92 of the Blancpain Endurance Series 2012 Sporting Regulations;
2. declare void Decision n°3/2012 of the National Appeal and Disciplinary Court of the Spanish Royal Automobile Federation and Decision n°13 taken by the Stewards on 14 October 2012 concerning the Blancpain Endurance Racing Event held in Navarra (Spain) on 13 and 14 October 2012 and counting towards the Blancpain Endurance Series 2012;
3. impose a fine of euros 10,000 on the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT.

The International Court of Appeal was presided over by Mr Harry DUIJM (Netherlands), and included Mr Jean LUISI (France), Mr Philippe NARMINO (Monaco) and Mr Dieter ROSSKOPF (Germany).

For Media information purposes - No regulatory value.