Felipe Massa’s legal representatives have given an update into the ex-Formula 1 driver’s case against Formula 1 and the FIA, in regard to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa is ultimately pursuing for the results of the 2008 Drivers’ Championship to be changed, with the Brazilian believing that he should be the World Champion from that season, not Lewis Hamilton.
Massa wants to see the results from the 2008 Singapore GP removed, given that it’s where the infamous ‘Crashgate’ took place.
At the Marina Bay Circuit back in 2008, Renault ordered Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash on purpose, something which allowed Fernando Alonso to effectively go on and win the race.
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Renault cheated and manipulated the results, something which wasn’t announced to the world until the following season.
As the FIA prize-giving gala had taken place, Massa was informed back in 2009 that the results couldn’t be changed.
If the 2008 Singapore GP wasn’t included in the results from that season, then Massa would’ve been World Champion.
Little was said about the incident until recently, when ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone revealed that himself and former FIA president Max Mosley knew about Renault’s actions when it happened but chose to remain silent to save the sport’s integrity.
As a result, Massa has started legal action against the FIA and F1, where he’s demanding compensation and for the results to be changed 15 years on.
His legal challenge recently kicked-off in the UK High Court after a ‘Letter Before Claim’ was given to the FIA and FOM during the summer break, whilst several preservation orders were also given out.
In a fresh update, Massa’s legal team have revealed that the FIA and the FOM have asked for proceedings to be delayed so that they can conclude an “internal investigation”, something the Brazilian’s team have “agreed” to.
“FIA and FOM are completing an internal investigation,” Bernardo Viana told PlanetF1.com.
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“They have requested one last extension to the deadline they initially asked for, from October 12th to November 15th.
“We have agreed to this final period because, if the new administration is indeed looking into the matter in good faith, they will certainly reach the same conclusion we and so many people around the world have.
“We would like to know what Formula 1’s new leadership’s position is on the recently disclosed scandal and the injustice faced by Felipe Massa.”