Carlsson punished by FIA.

OMV Kronos Citroen's Daniel Carlsson has been reprimanded by the FIA, the sports governing body, after his actions on the Rally d'Italia Sardegna, the seventh round in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship.

Carlsson retired before the opening stage on Friday, citing 'personal reasons' for his exit. According to his personal website he only took part in the shakedown and ceremonial start, as he had already committed himself to doing 'at least six events' with the Beligan-based outfit and he didn't want to break the rules.

Indeed as a 'Manufacturer Team', OMV Kronos need to do at least ten events with two cars, if they are to be eligible for manufacturers' points.

However the FIA has ruled that he contravened the regulations by not taking in the reconnaissance before the event. As such Carlsson and co-driver, Denis Giraudet will not be able to compete in any more WRC events until 2008.

The Swede is apparently 'deeply disappointed' with the decision, as the situation only arose after one of his backers pulled out and left him in the lurch. He added that the FIA should really 'encourage' drivers and not 'punish them as soon as they have an opportunity'. He has yet to decide if he will appeal against the exclusion.

The OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally team meanwhile will now need to find another driver to partner Manfred Stohl on six or seven of the remaining eleven events, if they are to avoid losing the right to compete in the manufacturers'. It is not clear if Carlsson's 'participation' in Sardinia will count as a fourth outing.