FIA confirm McLaren appeal over fuel row

Motor sport's governing body issued a statement on their official website acknowledging Hamilton's team have disputed the decision of the stewards not to penalise rival teams BMW and Williams for fuel irregularities at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The statement read: "The FIA has been informed by the Secretariat of the International Court of Appeal that they have received a Notification of Appeal from the UK National Sporting Authority (RAC MSA) on behalf of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes appeal is against the decision of the Stewards of the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, made at 21.35 hrs on October 21st 2007 (document number 41), that it was inappropriate to impose a penalty on cars 9, 10, 16 and 17."

If the appeal if successful, those teams could be disqualified from the race which could also mean Hamilton being elevated from seventh to fourth position.

If he is also awarded the points for a fourth-placed finish, the 22-year-old Briton would replace Kimi Raikkonen as drivers' champion.

However, such an outcome is by no means certain, even if the FIA decide to overturn the stewards' decision.

There are a range of punishments available, one of which could see Williams and BMW lose the points gained from Sunday's race but without Hamilton enjoying any benefit.

Hamilton endured a disastrous race at Interlagos, where gearbox problems ultimately saw him finish a point behind race winner Raikkonen in the overall standings.

It prevented the Briton becoming the first rookie champion in the sport's history.

Hamilton also finished the Brazilian Grand Prix behind the Williams of Nico Rosberg and the BMWs of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld.

Stewards later found their cars to be in breach of technical regulations regarding fuel temperatures but decided there was "sufficient doubt" and decided not to impose a penalty.

However, McLaren are confident they have the evidence to prove the stewards missed crucial information that could change the outcome of the result.

The appeal is likely to be heard next month.

Hamilton has already claimed he would not feel comfortable being handed the title in such circumstances, saying: "For me, I want to do it on the track and in style by winning the race, or after battling it out for the lead - fair and square.

"So being promoted after some people have been thrown out is not the way I want to do it. If I became world champion that way, it would feel weird.

"After Kimi did such a fantastic job, winning the last two races, to have it taken away from you, it's a bit cruel and probably not good for the sport."