Felipe Massa claimed victory at Valencia for the inaugural grand prix, but the result awaits confirmation from the race stewards who will investigate Ferrari’s actions during the Brazilian’s second pit-stop.
Massa led from pole and had built up a cushion of just under ten seconds over McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton before making his second stop for fuel. Then it all began to unravel for Ferrari.
Massa was released into the path of Force India’s Adrian Sutil in the pit-lane. The race stewards said they were investigating the incident on the grounds of the release being “unsafe”. They later announced that they would make their decision after the race leaving the possibility of a time penalty, which could gift Hamilton the victory.
Massa was not the only Ferrari driver to be at the centre of controversy during the pit-stops. Kimi Raikkonen left the bay before the green light on Ferrari’s automated appeared. The fuel nozzle had not been detached, and as the Finn accelerated he dragged his fuel mechanic with him. The mechanic was left injured on the ground and promptly stretchered to the medical centre.
Only a few laps later the Finn’s engine gave way, leaving Robert Kubica to take third ahead of Heikki Kovalainen, Jarno Trulli and Sebastian Vettel.
Full report to follow shortly.
