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Ferrari Will Not Appeal German GP Penalty

Ferrari's perfect weekend at Hockenheim was ruined by the team orders allegations made by almost the entire paddock, as well as ruled by the FIA stewards, following the Sunday race. While in the lead of the German GP, Massa was told by his race engineer Rob Smedley that his teammate Fernando Alonso (in 2nd place at the time) was faster than him. Less than a lap later, Massa let the Spaniard pass him without any fight, having to settle for 2nd place overall.

The FIA reacted immediately, through its stewards in Germany, handing Ferrari a $100,000 penalty for imposing illegal team orders in the race – they found the Italian team guilty of team orders and disrepute also – and further directing the matter to the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).

In a post race interview, Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali denied the charges, although it was confirmed that his team will not appeal the stewards' decision.

In the interests of the sport, we have decided not to go through a procedure of appealing against it (the decision), confident that the World Council will know how to evaluate the overall facts correctly,” said the Italian boss.

Felipe Massa's engineer was heard on the radio expressing his regrets to the Brazilian, shortly after he crossed the finish line. However, when asked if what happened in Germany will affect his reputation for the future, Massa insisted this will not be the case.

For sure not, for sure not. I'm very professional and I've shown in my career how professional I am. You (reporters) are professional as well, you work for a company. I believe you are doing what you have to do, so I'm professional and today I showed how professional I am. That's it,” said Massa.

When asked about his role within the Ferrari organization, Massa hinted however that he is not in a privileged position.

Well, I cannot say that I'm there fighting for first position in the championship,” admitted Massa, whose further comments about the German Grand Prix led to the belief that he regrets not having won a race he deserved.
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