Formula One: Ferrari duo tries to clear the air, following the controversy from the German Grand Prix
Ferrari’s Brazilian driver Felipe Massa has made a clear statement saying that, by no means he is playing 2nd fiddle to his team mate Fernando Alonso. There had been a lot of talk in the media following the team order controversy after the German race.
It was clear that Ferrari pit ordered Massa to allow Alonso a safe passage and later the team was fined USD 100,000. There are still speculations that Ferrari can still face more punishment from FIA.
Massa said that the day he has to say that he is number two, would be the day he retires from the sport. He said he has had detailed talks with the team, and he is in the team to win and not just to facilitate Alonso.
At the German Grand Prix, Massa was leading the race, and just 18 laps were left. That was when Rob Smedley the team’s race engineer could be heard on the radio. Smedley told Massa “Fernando is faster than you, Can you confirm you understand?” and within seconds, Massa slowed down and Alonso raced by him and won the race.
The Spanish driver reiterated that the incident in Germany does not prove that he will in any way be the second choice at Ferrari.
His team mate Fernando Alonso also echoed the Brazilian’s views, and said that there is nothing like a ‘number one’ or ‘number two’ driver at Ferrari. It is only about respect and getting into the cockpit for Ferrari.
The 2 time world champion Alonso, when asked about the incident at the German grand prix, said that whatever happened was a team decision. Alonso refused to answer any further questions regarding the team order controversy.
Alonso said that the team is not thinking about Germany anymore, they are rather focused ahead on the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The 2 time world champion said that the team has been considering many options in the last couple of days, he added that a number of new strategies have been discussed and new plans will be implemented in the race this weekend. Alonso went on to say that, the most important thing is that the new upgrades in the car have started to show results. He said that the two Ferraris have now come to a level where they can match the Red Bulls step by step, and in fact in many ways are much faster than the Red Bulls.
The Spaniard said that it’s the job of Media to work on stories and create something out of nothing; he added that the only thing he is working on is the race this weekend. He said that is all he can do and prove it on the tracks rather than explain it to everyone.
After the German Race, there was a lot of talk regarding the Team Orders that FIA actually banned following an incident that also involved Ferrari. Back in 2002, Rubins Barichello was asked by the team to make way for Michael Schumacher and the team came in for a lot of criticism. FIA the sport’s governing body clearly said that any orders that can affect the result of the race are prohibited. Ferrari however once again did the same and now further investigation by FIA may see point’s deduction or even a race ban for Ferrari.
Ferrari President however has ridiculed the fine and criticism from FIA, and said that this has been in the sport forever and is part of the game.
It would be interesting to see how Ferrari approaches the upcoming race; both cars are clearly faster than the rest for now. In addition, Massa has 2 added incentives to prove his worth, 1st being the controversy at German grand prix and secondly it’s an emotional return for him to Budapest, where he suffered a life threatening head injury last season.
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