The latest session of the International Court of Appeal was held in Paris on March 12, 2025.
In the spotlight was Case ICA-2024-15, where 778 Auto Sport contested a decision made on December 6, 2024, by the National Court of Appeal of the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC) concerning the 2024 Greater Bay Area GT Cup.
Back on November 17, 2024, during the thrilling races of the Greater Bay Area GT Cup, a bit of controversy arose. The driver of car No. 14, LO Ka Chun from 778 Auto Sport, was found making tire changes in the paddock during the critical three-minute starting procedure. This action didn’t sit well with the officials.
In response, the Stewards came down with Decision GT4-SD-038, slapping a 30-second penalty on car No. 14 from 778 Auto Sport. According to them, the car wasn’t settled on its wheels at the pivotal three-minute mark, a clear violation of Article 31.6 in the event’s Sporting Regulations.
Not taking this lightly, 778 Auto Sport moved quickly that same day to appeal the Stewards’ Decision at the National Court of Appeal of the AAMC.
Fast forward to December 6, 2024, and the National Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. The crux? 778 Auto Sport didn’t file their intention to appeal within the required one-hour window following the Stewards’ Decision.
Undeterred, on December 10, 2024, 778 Auto Sport escalated the matter to the International Court of Appeal (ICA).
At the ICA hearing, after considering arguments from all sides, the Court chose to uphold the December 6, 2024, ruling of the National Court of Appeal of the Automotive General Association Macao-China.
Presiding over the case was Mr. Rui Botica Santos from Portugal, with Mr. Michele Corradino from Italy, Mr. Jaromir Blaha from the Czech Republic, and Mr. Felippe Zeraik from Brazil rounding out the panel.
For those keen on the legal nitty-gritty, the full decision can be accessed here.
