Monza stewards give Vettel the benefit of the doubt

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Sebastian Vettel won't be punished by the Italian Grand Prix stewards for running wide at Parabolica and possibly gaining an advantage in qualifying.

The stewards investigated the potential track limit infringement in Q3, inspecting footage from several camera angles, and have ultimately given the Ferrari driver the benefit of the doubt.

Stewards summon Vettel, Sainz, Stroll - and Hulkenberg again

"The stewards reviewed multiple camera angles, some of which appeared to show that the tyres were not in contact with the white line of the track edge," the stewards stated.

"However other angles appeared to show that part of the front ‘wheel’ (when viewed from above) may have been within the bounds of the white line.

"This cast an element of doubt which is considered significant enough to give the “benefit of doubt” to the driver in question."

Vettel will start his Italian Grand Prix on Sunday from fourth on the grid.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.