Spyker launch protest against Toro Rosso

UPDATE (GMM) Long after darkness fell at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, stewards were yet to rule on the legality of Toro Rosso's controversial STR2 single seater.

The long wait centered around Spyker's official protest at the scene of the Malaysian grand prix, which was lodged with a letter in the moments after the normal scrutineering process.

As the trip back to hotels beckoned for the personnel and journalists in Malaysia for round two of the world championship, the stewards' decision is now expected prior to the start of free practice on Friday.

The morning session kicks off at 10am local time.

04/05/07 (GMM) F1's car sharing quarrel is back in the spotlight, after Spyker on Thursday lodged an official protest about the legality of the Toro Rosso.

Although a similar protest against Super Aguri to Australian stewards last month was thrown out on a technicality, it is understood that Spyker's complaint about Toro Rosso after scrutineering at Sepang centers on supposed new evidence showing that the car is no more than a copy of the 2007 Red Bull.

Led by Colin Kolles, who in Malaysia was spotted in animated conversation with Super Aguri counterpart Daniele Audetto, Spyker launched arbitration proceedings against both teams in the days after the Australian GP.

Thursday's protest against Faenza based Toro Rosso cost Spyker $2000.