Nov.3 (GMM) Felipe Massa has informed the London courtroom that Ferrari tried to cease him from talking publicly in regards to the 2008 ‘crashgate’ scandal – and that his then-future teammate Fernando Alonso knew in regards to the deliberate crash from the beginning.
“In October 2009, I informed journalists that I imagine Fernando Alonso knew the crash was intentional,” Massa stated in his testimony as he sues the FIA, F1 and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
“This assertion was not well-received on the time.”
The Brazilian claims Ferrari’s contract administration firm, GSA, drafted an official letter urging him to retract the feedback. “The letter was signed by Henry Peter,” Massa stated, referring to the Swiss lawyer who represented Ferrari.
In keeping with Massa, Ferrari wished him to make the assertion public, however he refused. “Ferrari then ready a press release for me, however I refused to launch it. As an alternative, I merely stated it was time to look forward,” he defined.
Massa, who misplaced the 2008 world championship by a single level to Lewis Hamilton, additionally testified that Jean Todt, Ferrari’s workforce principal on the time – and father of Massa’s supervisor Nicolas Todt – already believed the Renault crash was deliberate.
“Todt stated he was satisfied Nelsinho had crashed the automotive on objective,” Massa stated. “I didn’t imagine it on the time as a result of I knew how a lot Jean disliked Flavio Briatore. There was a private rivalry between them on the time.”
The revelations come as Massa continues authorized proceedings over alleged inaction following the Singapore GP scandal, which he claims value him the 2008 world title.
