In one of the support races for the F1 race at Monaco, the "World Series from Renault", an Italian named Pestor Maldonado was handed a penalty from the Monaco Automobile Club: banned for LIFE. This means he's not allowed to compete in any race at Monaco for any racing series ever.

The story was another competitor spun alone in Casino Square (just after a blind, crested turn). A marshal came out to help him move the car out of the way, yellow flags waving. Moldonado ignored the flags and came around the blind turn full out, and hit the marshal. The marshal is in the hospital with a broken back, but is expected to recover without paralysis. A second car came by soon after and hit Moldonado's car. Both driver's said there were no flags, but the authorities and video show otherwise.

Ignoring yellows is a bad thing to do, but a life ban seems rather harsh. The driver is young, and will now never advance in any series (F3, GP2, F1) that competes at Monaco.

"Personal Responsibility" He had a choice, made the wrong one, and has to suffer the consequences. I feel sorry for the worker, NOT the banned driver. Several lives were in danger because of his stupid choice (I was going to say mistake, but it wasn't one). He's lucky he didn't kill someone. As it is, he caused the wreck of the 3rd car, at considerable financial distress to it's owner and driver. The rules are there for everyone, and they're there for a reason. The Cap'n

After something like that happened I wouldn't be suprised if he just quit racing anyway. The guilt he has to live with the rest of his life. Racing would be a constant reminder of that.

Screw em....got what he deserved.......anyways...only one track. Not like he was banned from the whole series.

Anyone who hits or touches a sport referree in ANY sport needs to be hung by his balls. BTDT.....I had to be begged to ref soccer for my kids. Did it for years...18-32 and I was mugged by a bunch of assholes homies after a game.....still have bad dreams.

He hit somebody? After the warning to slow down?

He's lucky he's not in jail... reckless endangerment. Even more lucky he's not been beaten senseless with baseball bats in a dark alley.

-Rusty (who watches too much L&O)

QUOTE (ws91420 @ May 21 2005, 12:42 PM)

After something like that happened I wouldn't be suprised if he just quit racing anyway. The guilt he has to live with the rest of his life. Racing would be a constant reminder of that.

To the contrary, he's in denial, claiming there were no flags. I would venture a guess he doesn't really give a sh*t, and he'll go around crying he was wronged to anyone who'll listen. There's serious precedent in racing circles, believe me. Look at F1, NASCAR, and the old Can Am, where a REALLY famous driver punted Jim Hall into the weeds, ending his career .......... The Cap'n

QUOTE (Cap'n Krusty @ May 21 2005, 04:07 PM)

QUOTE (ws91420 @ May 21 2005, 12:42 PM) After something like that happened I wouldn't be suprised if he just quit racing anyway. The guilt he has to live with the rest of his life. Racing would be a constant reminder of that. To the contrary, he's in denial, claiming there were no flags. I would venture a guess he doesn't really give a sh*t, and he'll go around crying he was wronged to anyone who'll listen. There's serious precedent in racing circles, believe me. Look at F1, NASCAR, and the old Can Am, where a REALLY famous driver punted Jim Hall into the weeds, ending his career .......... The Cap'n

To be fair, the second guy BEHIND this guy also said he didn't see the flags. I certainly agree that this guy deserves some penalty, and a serious one, but this is essentially career-ending as far as open-wheel stuff in Europe is concerned. No team manager in F3, GP2, or F1 is going to hire a driver that can drive at Monaco.

It was just reported that the lifetime ban was reversed. The driver has instead been banned for nine races in this series.

QUOTE (Cap'n Krusty @ May 21 2005, 12:22 PM)

"Personal Responsibility" He had a choice, made the wrong one, and has to suffer the consequences. I feel sorry for the worker, NOT the banned driver. Several lives were in danger because of his stupid choice (I was going to say mistake, but it wasn't one). He's lucky he didn't kill someone. As it is, he caused the wreck of the 3rd car, at considerable financial distress to it's owner and driver. The rules are there for everyone, and they're there for a reason. The Cap'n

Bummer that this only happens on the track. There are plenty of people in "real" life that get away with killing innocent people with no such accountability.