The International Court of Appeal is gearing up for its next hearing in Paris, capturing the attention of motorsport enthusiasts everywhere.
In the spotlight is Case ICA-2024-15, a dispute involving 778 Auto Sport’s appeal against a December 6, 2024, ruling by the National Court of Appeal of the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC). This all unfolds within the prestigious 2024 Greater Bay Area GT Cup. What kicked off this legal wrangling happened on November 17, 2024, when driver LO Ka Chun of 778 Auto Sport was spotted changing tires in the paddock during the brief three-minute starting procedure.
The Stewards didn’t take this lightly. They slapped car No. 14 from 778 Auto Sport with a 30-second penalty, claiming the vehicle failed to be properly resting at the prescribed time—this breached Article 31.6 of the Greater Bay Area GT Cup Sporting Regulations. However, 778 Auto Sport wasn’t about to let this slide. They promptly challenged the Stewards’ decision at the National Court of Appeal on the very same day.
But December 6 saw their appeal hit a brick wall. The rejection came swiftly due to their delay—the appeal wasn’t lodged within an hour following the Stewards’ initial decision. Not deterred, 778 Auto Sport sought further recourse on December 10 by approaching the International Court of Appeal.
So, mark your calendars for this pivotal hearing: it’s happening at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The venue is the FIA headquarters, located at 8 Place de la Concorde, Paris, on the 5th floor in the Salle du Comité.
We’re all eagerly awaiting the verdict, which will be announced as soon as the hearing wraps up. For those in the media eyeing an opportunity to cover the event, accreditation is a must. Make sure to send your email requests to the FIA Press Office via [email protected] on official letterhead by noon, March 10, 2025 (French time). The request must bear the signature of the Chief Editor or Head of Department, and include the hearing details, journalist’s name, press card copy, and an email address for responses.
Keep an eye out for updates—this case is as much about regulations as it is about the thrilling world of motorsport.
