Scenes in the paddock in Baku after the race collision – Cem Bölükbasi’s father and Roy Nissany’s coach clash
The Formula 2 weekend in Baku (Azerbaijan) provided action on and off the track. Sunday’s main race saw a collision between Roy Nissany (DAMS) and Cem Bölükbasi (Charouz)
Nissany subsequently called Bölükbasi an “idiot”, although the FIA race stewards blamed the DAMS driver. At the next race, Nissany will be moved back three places on the grid.
He also received a penalty point on his licence. After the race, there was another incident in the paddock, according to the FIA. Father Yavuz Bölükbasi and manager Temucin Unalp paid a visit to the DAMS tent.
Bölükbasi’s father admitted that he lost his temper when he thought Nissany had called his son derogatory names. A verbal exchange with the Israeli driver ensued. Incidentally, Nissany is also a Formula One test driver for the Williams team.
Finally, Nissany’s coach, Francesco Martinez, also got involved. According to the FIA report, there was “pushing and physical contact between the father and the coach”. However, it is also stressed that there were “no blows”. The unwanted guests were removed from the tent.
There were consequences from the race stewards. Bölükbasi’s father will have his accreditation for the paddock withdrawn for the coming race weekend in Silverstone (Great Britain). Cem Bölükbasi has to pay a fine of 5,000 Euros within 48 hours.
The FIA statement reads: “At no time will physical violence or the threat of violence be tolerated. In accordance with Article 9.15.1, participants are responsible for all actions of persons to whom they have granted access to the reserved areas. “
“The threat of violence and the small brawl that actually took place, initiated by Mr. Bölükbasi, will be considered a violation of ISC 12.2.1 (c). Accordingly, the driver will be fined and the person who initiated the violation will be punished.”
A statement from the Charouz team to ‘Autosport’ said, “From the team’s side, it’s quite difficult as we were still on the pit wall at the time and didn’t see what happened.”
“Nevertheless, the team obviously doesn’t condone the behaviour of Cem’s father and the FIA has taken the appropriate corrective action, which the team fully supports.” In sporting terms, Bölükbasi has yet to score a point in his rookie Formula 2 season.
