Following Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification in today's Australian Grand Prix, it is important that Red Bull's appeal leads to the problematic fuel sensors installed in all Formula 1 cars being tested ahead of the next race in two weeks.
Ricciardo was disqualified after post-race scrutineering found his car had consistently exceeded the maximum 100kg/hr fuel-flow limit throughout today's race.
The stewards followed the letter of the law and excluded the new Red Bull driver from the results, who, for a few hours at least, was the first Australian to finish on the podium in his home race.
On the face of it, the decision to exclude Ricciardo can't be argued with - a clear break of the regulations leads to disqualification - indeed the FIA had pre warned teams there would be no leniency.
However, the way Red Bull and team principal Christian Horner have come out fighting are not the actions of a team who have knowingly broke the rules. Their intent to appeal citing faults with the fuel sensors is one that will be interesting and perhaps vital for this season's championship, even at this early stage.
Horner points to problems with the sensors in free practice, and that the replacements installed by the FIA in time for Saturday qualifying, failed completely.
The result of Red Bull's appeal could have consequences for the entire field. Now doubts have been raised about the capability of the fuel sensors, it is the governing body's responsibility to assure teams, drivers and fans that they work properly.
If they are faulty, Ricciardo was the unlucky one this weekend - who next? These sensors are not optional extras. Any one (or more) of the drivers could fall foul of breaking regulations due to equipment giving false readings.
This is why all teams should back Red Bull's appeal and push for the equipment to be tested to ensure it's working properly. It would be easy for teams to turn their backs and quietly accept the extra points gained by their cars today, but it is in all their interests to make sure there is a level playing field.
As for Ricciardo, it's a great shame he lost his place. He put in a superb performance all weekend and looks to have made the step up from Toro Rosso to the senior team with ease. An encouraging sign for the rest of the season, it's important he doesn't let today's events knock his confidence ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks.
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