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Motorsport: Ferrari in hot water over tactics
FERRARI may yet face further sanctions after being punished for implementing team orders during yesterday's German Grand Prix.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali, team manager Massimo Rivola and drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso were summoned to face the stewards following the race at Hockenheim.
After what appeared to be a coded message from Massa's race engineer Rob Smedley on lap 47, the Brazilian then let Alonso past two laps later, the Spaniard going on to claim the 23rd win of his career.
The team were fined 100,000 US dollars, a drop in the ocean to a marque of Ferrari's wealth, however it may not be the end of the story.
The matter has been referred to the World Motor Sport Council for further consideration, and they have unlimited powers at their disposal.
Former driver and now BBC analyst Anthony Davidson remarked: "That was as blatant as it comes.
"He (Massa) might as well have put his arm out of the cockpit and waved him (Alonso) through."
Former team boss and BBC pundit Eddie Jordan typically pulled no punches as he said: "It was unlawful and was theft.
"They stole from us the chance of having a wheel-to-wheel contest between the drivers. Ferrari should be ashamed. "
Alonso's 23rd career win puts the double world champion firmly back in the title hunt as he now trails by 34 points championship leader Lewis Hamilton.
He was forced to settle for fourth behind home hero Sebastian Vettel and ahead of team-mate Jenson Button.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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