McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton will find out on Tuesday whether an attempt to reinstate his Belgian Grand Prix victory has been successful.
Hamilton strongly pressed his case at Monday's appeal to the FIA in Paris as he aimed to overturn a 25-second penalty for cutting a chicane Upset at Belgian Grand Prix ...
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"I just hope the judges see the truth. I am a racing driver, it's what I do," he said following the hearing.
Hamilton has since left France for Singapore ahead of Sunday's night race.
Hamilton, who leads the drivers' standings by one point from Felipe Massa, lost four points when he was punished while Massa gained two, so Tuesday's verdict from world motorsport's governing body will play a role in deciding the 2008 F1 title.
"It was long and intense," said Hamilton on emerging from Monday's proceedings.
"I said what was on my mind because in that position you can be talked down to," he added, having earlier rounded on Ferrari counsel Nigel Tozzi QC during cross-examination.
Hamilton asserted his case powerfully in front of Tozzi, at one point stating: "Are you a racing driver? No!
"I have been a racing driver since I was eight years old and I know pretty much every single manoeuvre in the book, and that's why I'm the best at my job.
"We are talking about a skilled driver under intense pressure making a split-second decision which no-one, not unless they are in Formula One, can comprehend."
Hamilton later admitted there were "much better things" he could have done with his Monday, ahead of F1's first ever night race in Singapore.
"But today was a very important issue," he added.
"I was unfortunately penalised, so it was good to come here and put our point of view, as well as listen to other people's opinions.
"But whatever happens I am not worried either way. I just hope the judges see the truth.
"I am a racing driver, driven by excellence. It's what I do. It's what I enjoy doing.
"I am now just going to focus on my next race and hopefully winning there. At the moment, as I see it, I am one point ahead and that's how I will go into it."
If Hamilton wins the appeal, his championship lead will be increased to seven points with four races to go.
Hamilton would regain four points and Massa, who was awarded the win following Hamilton's penalty, stands to lose two.
The appeal court judges have been faced with two decisions.
They have first had to consider whether the appeal is admissible, as Formula One rules do not allow teams to appeal against drive-through penalties.
The penalty given to Hamilton was technically a drive-through penalty.
However, as it was issued retrospectively McLaren barrister Mark Philips QC has argued that no actual drive-through took place, so the appeal should be considered.
Secondly, the judges must decide if Hamilton sufficiently surrendered the advantage he had gained when cutting the chicane.
The Englishman was battling with Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen at the Spa circuit when he cut the Bus Stop chicane, resulting in him overtaking the Finnish driver.
Despite allowing Raikkonen to immediately reclaim the lead, Hamilton then overtook the Ferrari driver at the next corner to go back in front.
As video footage of the incident was shown, Hamilton told the court he was trying to avoid crashing into Raikkonen.
"We had a great battle and there was no need to take stupid risks, so I had to cut the chicane," he said.
"I've since studied the footage about 10 times and I can remember it vividly like it was yesterday.
"I believe I then gave the advantage back. I honestly, hand on heart, feel I did so."
McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh told reporters he believed the judges were "confident of our facts" following the hearing.
"Based on the evidence we saw at the time, and from subsequent analysis, we believe any advantage was ceded," he added.
"Therefore it's even more reason to get those points back."
Hamilton is unlikely to learn his fate until he lands in Singapore on Tuesday, having flown out of Paris en route to Singapore via Zurich.
(BBC)
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