It is a lieniant punishment for, what by all accounts, is a major breech of the sporting code. They're lucky Trulli is a nice guy who's kept his mouth shut and Toyota haven't got involved either. Had Ferrari been the ones affected, or Flav and Renault, I wouldn't dare think what might have happened!

However, a bigger punishment would have hurt the fans and the sport as there was a real risk of Mclaren sponsors pulling out and the team folding. I think the other teams know this too and that's why they've hardly commented on the issue.

The current F1 champion has to be involved for the the season. Banning him would have been a huge loss to the sport and a major publicity knightmare. It would have given the papers a green light to splash out on damaging headlines.

Right decision really. The indignity is enough of a punishment to carry for all involved.