Formula 2’s Cem Bolukbasi has been issued a fine of €5,000 after his father was involved in a heated exchange with DAMS’ Roy Nissany in Baku.
The incident occurred after Sunday’s Sprint Race. Bolukbasi and Nissany retired from the session midway through the event after making contact at Turn 2.
The two were going side by side through the corner, with Nissany’s front left tyre clipping the rear of Bolukbasi, sending both drivers into the wall.
Called to the Stewards to review the incident was Charouz Racing System’s team representative Kenny Kirwan, Bolukbasi’s father Yavuz, his trainer Temucin Unalp, DAMS’ team representative Remi Decourzent and Nissany’s trainer Francesco Martinez.
A statement from the Stewards confirmed that there was a physical exchange between the parties, but stated that no punches were thrown.
“After an on track incident between Cars 16 and 23 the father of the driver of Car 23,
Mr Yavuz Bolukbasi, along with the driver’s manager went to the DAMS Paddock tent,” the statement said.
“Mr Bolukbasi admitted that he lost his temper when he thought that the driver of Car 16 made a derogatory comment about his son.
“At the DAMS tent Mr Bolukabasi provoked a heated verbal exchange with the driver of Car 16.
“As the verbal exchange escalated the trainer for Roy Nissany became involved and there was some pushing and physical contact between the father and the trainer (Francesco).
“No punches were exchanged and the unwanted guests were removed from the area.”
The stewards reiterated that “at no time will physical violence, nor the threat of such be tolerated. In keeping with ISC Art 9.15.1 Competitors are responsible for all acts of persons to whom they have given access to the Reserved Areas”.
As well as the fine for Bolukbasi, his father has had his paddock credentials withdrawn for the next F2 event that Bolukbasi is present at.
