Jean-Eric Vergne's Formula Renault 3.5 title hopes have received a major boost after the penalty that cost him victory at Monza in May was overturned.
After meeting in Milan on Thursday to hear an appeal lodged by Carlin, the Court of Appeal of the CSAI (Italian Motorsports Commission) quashed the post-race time penalty imposed on Vergne following race two at the Monza meeting.
The penalty had been awarded by race officials when Vergne was judged to have maintained the lead of the race by cutting a chicane when ISR's Daniel Ricciardo had attempted an overtaking maneuver. Demoted from an on-the-road victory to third place as a result of the penalty, the Frenchman's win has now been reinstated.
With Vergne awarded the 25 points that come with victory, instead of 15 points for third, the championship table is significantly altered as a result. The Carlin racer moves from 34 to 24 points adrift of his teammate and championship leader Robert Wickens in the drivers' standings with four rounds to go.
Completing the amended top three from Monza are Ricciardo in second and Alexander Rossi (Fortec) in third.