Monza trophies broke FIA rules

Sep.17 (GMM) The trophies presented to Monza winner Sebastian Vettel and his podium cohorts seem to have contravened the 2008 formula one sporting regulations.

Many pundits were surprised after the Italian grand prix, when instead of being handed traditional trophies, Vettel and his peers held aloft silvered prizes in the shape of the logo of the race's title sponsor Banco Santander.

While acknowledging the importance of sponsors, a blogger at the popular sports site Bleacher Report wrote: "Come on, shaping your trophies to that company's logo? I think that's pushing into the sacred."

Indeed, upon inspection of the 2008 sporting regulations, the FIA requires grand prix promoters to present trophies "in the form of traditional cups".

The blogger said he believes sports sponsorships and some of F1's older traditions can live together.

"I still know of this bank's existence, I still know of the services they offer, and I still know what the logo looks like because it's pasted everywhere during the race broadcasts.

"Logos are fine, but please let the trophies be trophies."