Ferrari Head Di Montezemolo Says Singapore GP Humiliating For F1
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Sep 30, 2008
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Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has poured scorn on Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, saying the “circus” track and the use of the safety car had been humiliating for Formula One.
Formula One’s first night race drew rave reviews from participants and onlookers, including the sport’s delighted supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but was one to forget for the Italian team.
Brazilian title contender Felipe Massa had his race ruined by a bungled pit stop while faltering world champion Kimi Raikkonen crashed near the end.
“When we race on tracks which should be used for the circus, anything can happen including the spectacle of the Safety Car,” Montezemolo said.
“All this is humiliating for F1 and it is an aspect I want to talk about with the other teams in the next few weeks.”
Ferrari’s humiliating performance in the Singapore Grand Prix marked a “black day” for the Formula One outfit, team director Stefano Domenicali said
Felipe Massa, who held pole position and was locked in a tight duel with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton for the championship lead, finished out of the points after a pit-lane mishap in F1’s first ever night race.
In an embarrassing blunder, Massa was given a green light to drive off while the fuel rig was still attached to his car. The hose was yanked off its moorings and trailed Massa’s car all the way to the end of the pit lane before he stopped.
Massa knocked over one of his mechanics, who needed medical treatment, and almost collided with another car.
“Today is really a black day,” Domenicali said. “The best car finished last.”
Ferrari’s pointless finish and Hamilton’s third place lifted McLaren atop the constructors’ standings by one point.
“The goal is clear. There are three races remaining and we enter them knowing that we have to finish first or second every time,” Domenicali said. “We’re capable of doing it.”
“I hope Massa and Raikkonen pull a 1-2 in the remaining three races. And in any case, that they finish ahead of McLaren,” Di Montezemolo said.
