Paris (AFP)
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced on Monday that it had "opened an immediate investigation into the incidents" which occurred during the final of the World Karting Championship in Lonato, Italy on Sunday, where a driver attacked a opponent.
In a statement, the FIA and the Italian Federation (Automobile Club d'Italia) say they are "deeply concerned about the disturbing events that took place yesterday at the FIA KZ World Karting Championship in Lonato, Italy, involving drivers, members of 'teams and track marshals. The FIA has launched an immediate investigation into these incidents, "it said.
After going off the track during the event, the Italian Luca Corberi, 23, threw the bumper of his kart on a competitor, his compatriot Paolo Ippolito, without doing any damage, before coming to blows after the race, in what turned into a general brawl.
Relayed on social networks, the images were severely commented on by several pilots and former pilots.
"This behavior is unacceptable in our sport. These individuals will have to answer for their actions," commented the Brazilian Felipe Massa, ex-F1 driver and head of the karting commission within the FIA.
"Luca Corberi has just destroyed his chances of a career as a driver after his disgusting behavior today at the FIA World Karting Championship," tweeted 2009 F1 world champion Britain's Jenson Button. His father owns the circuit and we see him pushing a guy against a wall. Lifetime ban for those two idiots, please. "
"I have no words to describe this behavior", for his part posted the double French champion of Formula E Jean-Eric Vergne.
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