Fernando Alonso has admitted that he overreacted in his assessment of the events which marred the 2010 European Grand Prix.
The Spaniard was left infuriated after a safety car period saw him drop down the order and later claimed that the race stewards had ‘manipulated’ the result to the benefit of Lewis Hamilton – who was penalised for overtaking the pace car before the second safety car line.
However following time to reflect, Alonso conceded that his outburst had been emotionally driven.
“We were particularly unlucky in terms of the timing of when the safety car appeared on track.” Alonso wrote on Ferrari’s website.
“It would have only needed a few seconds more or less to totally change our race.
“It does not achieve much going over the events that followed on, but obviously, in the clear light of day, I am much calmer than I was in the moments immediately following the race.
“At the time, I reacted emotionally and in that situation it is all too easy to adopt a tone and say things that can be interpreted wrongly, giving rise to suspicions, something which I had no intention of doing.
“Sure, I understand the stewards have a difficult job to do and they have to take decisions that are not easy.
“What I meant was that those drivers who, like us, respected the regulations, unfortunately in this situation, suffered much more than those who broke them, even though they were given a penalty.”
He added:”I am not referring to any of the drivers in particular,”
“It’s a general matter and I think we should talk about it together in a calm way to ensure that things like this do not happen again.
“I was pleased to hear the FIA has reacted promptly, calling an extraordinary meeting of the Sporting Working Group.
“I am confident, certain even, all the points up for discussion will be cleared up in a comprehensive fashion.”
