FIA sanctions possible over dog incidents

(GMM) A spokesman for the FIA said F1's governing body will investigate the stray dog incident at the Turkish grand prix, and refused to rule out sanctions for the operators of the Istanbul Park circuit.

Bruno Senna struck and killed a white and black stray dog during the GP2 support race on Sunday, which took place before the main formula one event.

A few moments after Senna retired with the resulting heavy damage to his right suspension and monocoque, another dog – a larger, Alsatian-type animal – also ran across the track but escaped into the infield.

FIA race director Charlie Whiting said the incident was a serious safety breach, and the FIA spokesman now reveals that the matter will be investigated fully by the FIA Commission.

"How could such a thing happen at an almost brand new formula one track?" he is quoted as saying by the news agency Reuters.

The spokesman added that the FIA Commission might then refer the matter to the World Motor Sport Council, and that "sanctions cannot be ruled out".

Fascinatingly, the Istanbul Park circuit – otherwise known as the Otodrom – was taken over by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone last year.