In April Massa signalled his intention to take legal action in opposition to the outcomes of the 2008 F1 world championship, which he misplaced out to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton by a single level.
Massa acted on info from former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who steered that data of the controversial 2008 Singapore GP ‘crashgate’ was out there early sufficient for motion to be taken earlier than the results of the championship was made closing.
In March Ecclestone was quoted in an interview by F1-insider saying the results of the Singapore race, by which Nelson Piquet Jr intentionally crashed to helped Renault team-mate Fernando Alonso win, might have been thrown out, which might have swung the title race in favour of the Ferrari driver.
As a substitute, the controversy was solely formally investigated the next yr, that means it was too late to return and amend the race or championship consequence.
After assembling a authorized staff Massa has now despatched a so-called Letter Earlier than Declare to the FIA and FOM, which units out the small print of the case the Brazilian intends to pursue in court docket.
In keeping with the doc, which Autosport has had entry to, Massa’s defence alleges that the Brazilian was “the sufferer of a conspiracy”, with the FIA and FOM intentionally failing to take motion even after changing into conscious of the case.
The letter, addressing F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, alleges that the 2 our bodies’ “motive to keep away from a scandal” has price the now 42-year-old Brazilian tens of thousands and thousands of euros in misplaced earnings and bonuses.
Nelson Piquet Jr., Renault F1 Staff R28 crashes into the wall
Picture by: Sutton Photos
“Merely put, Mr Massa is the rightful 2008 Driver’s Champion, and F1 and FIA intentionally ignored the misconduct that cheated him out of that title,” states the letter.
“Mr Massa is unable to completely quantify his losses at this stage however estimates that they’re more likely to exceed tens of thousands and thousands of Euros. This quantity doesn’t cowl the intense ethical and reputational losses suffered by Mr Massa.”
The letter goes on to state that if there isn’t any vital response inside two weeks, the legal professionals are instructed to begin authorized proceedings.
Intriguingly, Ecclestone has now stated he couldn’t keep in mind giving the interview that led to Massa’s authorized marketing campaign and added that he hasn’t been approached by Massa or his authorized staff to confirm his feedback.
“I do not keep in mind any of this, to be trustworthy,” the 92-year-old instructed Reuters. “I do not keep in mind giving the interview for positive.”
It stays to be seen whether or not or not Massa’s staff has a practical avenue to problem the 15-year-old championship consequence.
The FIA’s Worldwide Sporting Code doesn’t permit protests after a race and any proper to request a overview expires 14 calendar days after a contest – and 4 days previous to the date of that yr’s FIA prize-giving ceremony.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG, celebrates third place within the dash race, with Felipe Massa
Picture by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Moreover, the FIA’s judicial system is evident that the very best authority to make any ruling is the impartial Worldwide Court docket of Enchantment, and that any individuals concerned in a championship conform to abide by this.
In idea Massa might search out the views of the Court docket of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but it surely has no jurisdiction over the FIA on the matter.
The FIA statutes dictate that the CAS could solely be concerned in points referring to the FIA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Committee.
On the time of writing the FIA was unavailable for remark when approached by Autosport.