Quote Originally Posted by dimviii View Post
from French forum

Coria's early check-in was due to the team's mistake. They mistakenly informed him that early check-in was permitted, as is often the case when returning to the service parks at the end of a stage.

He asked the marshal to verify, who confirmed it was allowed. He then asked a second person who was unwilling (or unable) to provide an answer.

He checked in 5-10 seconds before the base minute... but in the end, early check-in wasn't allowed.

This was due to the team's erroneous message, sent unintentionally, not Coria's.

Hyundai's appeal was rejected, the penalty was upheld... and the €1000 penalty wasn't returned
Responsible for giving time card to timekeeper in correct time is codriver. Timekeeper is on site only to mark the time, not to provide any informaiton (and this is strictly written in regulations). Early check-in allowance in specific time controls is described in supplementary regulations, in itinerary and also in time card! Of course it is mistake by team sending them message that early check-in is allowed, but that is the problem of current dates, when there is plenty of people in one team and people rely on others. And as codriver had this timecard in his hand, it is not so difficult to look at that timecard and see if early check-in is allowed or not. So pure mistake by codriver.

I absolutely dont understand this protest from Hyundai. From regulations point it is very clear and no chance for any other decision (despite we had an opportunity to see very strange decisions in WRC in last months/years).