Hamilton to attend Paris appeal

(GMM) Despite affecting his preparation for the next race, championship leader Lewis Hamilton will attend the appeal against his Belgian GP penalty later this month.

McLaren boss delivered the news at Monza, where the British driver's title lead to Felipe Massa on Sunday was cut to just a single point with four races to run.

The appeal, to be held at the FIA International Court of Appeal in Paris on September 22, is a battle over 6 points, after Spa-Francorchamps stewards stripped Hamilton of his victory for cutting a chicane and passing Kimi Raikkonen shortly afterwards.

The 23-year-old will appear as a primary witness, Dennis is quoted as confirming to the German news agency SID.

The hearing is scheduled for the Monday before the Singapore grand prix, meaning that Hamilton's attendance could interfere with his preparation for the race in a different time-zone.

"Of course it is not ideal so soon before a race, but we think it is important," said Dennis, when asked why Hamilton has been asked by the team to attend.