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[Gaz]

Massa: Alonso knew about race-fixing

By Jonathan Noble Thursday, October 15th 2009, 07:42 GMT

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, 2009Felipe Massa says he remains suspicious that Fernando Alonso did know about the deliberate crash plot at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix - but has vowed not to let it affect his future relationship with the Spaniard.

Massa spoke to Brazilian media during a get-together in Sao Paulo on Wednesday and, during the lunch, he said he was in no doubt that Alonso had to have been aware of the plans for Nelson Piquet to crash deliberately in the Singapore event last year to try and help him win.

"In all, he is the least of the problem," Massa was quoted as saying by the Brazilian media about Alonso's involvement in the affair.

"It was the team and Nelson - but Alonso was part of the problem. He knew. We can not know it [but] of course he knew. [It's an] absolute certainty."

The comments created a huge media storm in Brazil ahead of this weekend's grand prix, and Massa and Ferrari moved to clarify the remarks in a statement issued on the Maranello team's official website on Wednesday evening.

In it, Massa said that his comments relate to a feeling he has rather than being based on facts, and he totally respects the FIA's findings from its investigations that Alonso was not aware of the crash plot.

"What I've said is the outcome of a hunch I've had and is not based on any concrete evidence," Massa said in his statement. "The FIA World Council announced that there was no indication that Fernando may have been informed of what had happened and I respect this outcome.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed about what transpired last year in Singapore: I have already said several times what I thought about it and now it's time to close that chapter and to look to the future.

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

Looks like the fight has started already, i predict a rough season for Ferrari if this keeps up.

[Jabberwocky]

looks like Massa has set his stall out early. I predict a lot of tear and fur flying in Italy next year

[bud]

[billindenver]

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

Naturally, because all drivers feel that being called a liar and a cheat by your future team mate is a great way to start off. What is with F1 and the attention whores that it attracts? Why would Massa even say such a thing to the press? Is he really that damned stupid? Does he crave attention so badly that he just needed to see his name in print while he heals up from a broken head?

Ok man, lets have another year of team mates at each others throat. It will at least give us something to talk about on this board, and Massa will have yet another team mate he can't keep up with. He will cry and whine the entire time I am sure. Perhaps Alonso should issue a press statement on how he is looking forward to driving along side of Massa, and as a show of good faith he promises to teach him how to drive in the rain and in the dry he will drive one handed to keep things fair.

[Frosty]

Massa has become quite the s*** stirrer recently.

[Tony_sa]

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

Naturally, because all drivers feel that being called a liar and a cheat by your future team mate is a great way to start off. What is with F1 and the attention whores that it attracts? Why would Massa even say such a thing to the press? Is he really that damned stupid? Does he crave attention so badly that he just needed to see his name in print while he heals up from a broken head?

Ok man, lets have another year of team mates at each others throat. It will at least give us something to talk about on this board, and Massa will have yet another team mate he can't keep up with. He will cry and whine the entire time I am sure. Perhaps Alonso should issue a press statement on how he is looking forward to driving along side of Massa, and as a show of good faith he promises to teach him how to drive in the rain and in the dry he will drive one handed to keep things fair.

I agree feeling cheated out of a world championship is a big thing, and to be honest I share Massa's view in that respect. its also good to know that his character is not allowing him to just let it go. its where he gets his drive and determination from but FOR F**k's SAKE !!! you need to give it up !!!!

[Gilles 27]

Felipe says some really stupid stuff to the press. He needs to stop giving interviews, he is making a fool of himself

[Jabberwocky]

Massa has become quite the s*** stirrer recently.

he is bored and has nothing else to do

[JamesD89]

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

Naturally, because all drivers feel that being called a liar and a cheat by your future team mate is a great way to start off. What is with F1 and the attention whores that it attracts? Why would Massa even say such a thing to the press? Is he really that damned stupid? Does he crave attention so badly that he just needed to see his name in print while he heals up from a broken head?

I thought the same thing when his comments about the fixed race costing him the championship. Respect for this guy is running thin.

[Juliet P]

Now this is why I don't like Massa. Or Alonso for that matter. Silly boy.

[Tony_sa]

Now this is why I don't like Massa. Or Alonso for that matter. Silly boy.

what ??? has he given you a reason like this before ?? or you just happy that he acting weird after his crash and gave you one ?? tsk..tsk !!

[Jabberwocky]

I think it is a good mind game. as Massa has a lot of friends in Ferrari. He has now said that Alonso cost them the championship. Ferrari's support might start to wane before he get there. Plus we all know what happend when Alonso feels he is not being supported fully by the team.

[texasmr2]

Massa has become quite the s*** stirrer recently.

he is bored and has nothing else to do

That is what I'm thinking aswell and honestly I find Felipes remarks quite surprising considering his demeanor.

[Tony_sa]

Massa has become quite the s*** stirrer recently.

he is bored and has nothing else to do

That is what I'm thinking aswell and honestly I find Felipes remarks quite surprising considering his demeanor.

how stupid of me to have thought he can possibly get in the car this year. He clearly needs time to recover from the head injury.
Poor guy. things like this only happen to good people...

[Rusko]

massa is just dissapointed because of last years title race, i kind of feel sorry for him. he needs a WDC to help him put it to bed, just can't see it happening when he has got to beat alonso in the same car.