What former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa hopes to achieve from his appeal against the classification of the 2008 Singapore race and where the matter currently stands
Felipe Massa wants to reopen the result of the 2008 Formula One season around the “Crashgate” affair in Singapore. But so far the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula One are keeping a low profile after Massa wrote to them informing them of a legal dispute he had instigated.
“We are waiting for answers,” Massa says in an interview with the Brazilian version of Motorsport.com. He expects the first reactions to his push “in mid-October”. “And then we will decide how to proceed.”
A possible court case has not alienated him from motorsport and Formula One so far, Massa stresses. “This is just about proving that sport is the most important thing. I love motorsport and Formula 1. But the most important thing is: there must be no manipulation. Manipulation doesn’t belong in sport.”
Many outsiders see it the same way, Massa says. However, he experiences a lot of support from the public: “Wherever I move, on the street or at the airport, I am always approached. People tell me not to give up.”
“Because I am doing this for justice and transparency in sport. It’s just not acceptable that a rigged race might affect the outcome of the championship. “
Is Ferrari joining in Massa’s push?
But does Massa have the backing of those directly involved in his push? From former or current Formula 1 protagonists? “Yes, I have [such] support. But the situation is very complicated,” Massa says. “Sometimes people don’t want to comment [publicly], they prefer to do it behind closed doors. I understand that completely.”
“But it doesn’t change what I want: I want justice. I’m doing this for my country, for my fans, for me, for my family and for Ferrari. “
Ferrari itself is keeping a low profile so far, however, according to Massa. “I guess Ferrari is just waiting to see what happens further here.” They have only “exchanged letters” so far, nothing more, Massa says.
“But I see no reason why Ferrari should not be on my side. Because we have lost a title. They took a title away from us. So if Ferrari wants to be here, they are more than welcome. Otherwise, I’m striving [alone] for justice, because that’s what I’m mainly about. Every Formula One driver must have the same opportunities. Everyone should be respected. “
What role Jean Todt plays for Massa
He also has the support of former Ferrari team boss and former FIA president Jean Todt. Massa does not say exactly how. He only says: “Jean always supports me. And he has often stressed that the thing in Singapore was not fair. But he doesn’t want to talk [publicly] about the case.” Like so many others from the Formula One paddock.
So Massa is on his own for now, saying, “I’m doing this alone with my lawyers.” And he stresses again: “For me it’s about justice and transparency in sport. Because I believe: What happened to me was not correct, and we will fight for it until the end. “
