Hamilton probed over tyre breach

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton is under investigation at the title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix.Hamilton will become F1's first rookie champion as well as the youngest if he wins in Sao Paulo on Sunday.He currently leads double world champion team-mate Fernando Alonso by four points with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen a further three behind.However, the sport's governing body claims he broke rules by using two sets of wet-weather tyres during the first practice session. Drivers are allowed to use one set only.An official said: "Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato have used two sets of wet-weather tyres during the first free practice session which is breach of article 25.3 of the 2007 Formula One Sporting Regulations."A spokeswoman for the IAF said the matter will be assessed after the second session. There is no set punishment for the offence.The 22-year-old's McLaren team said they had simply made a mistake.The FIA has appointed a special scrutineer to ensure Hamilton and Alonso, who has complained that the rookie has been favoured by McLaren, are treated equally at Interlagos.However the governing body said he is not due to start work until Saturday.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

» More on this story... «

ITN | October 19, 2007

Tags:. .second. .leads. .youngest. .special. .four