Felipe Massa’s declare for damages associated to the 2008 F1 ‘Crashgate’ scandal could proceed to go to trial, however different features of the case have been dismissed.
The previous Ferrari driver is in search of practically 64 million kilos ($84 million) in damages, alleging it was a conspiracy to disclaim him the 2008 world championship. Nelson Piquet Jr. claims he would have been champion had the results of the Singapore Grand Prix been invalidated when he crashed deliberately and Massa, who was main the race, failed to attain.
At a court docket listening to final month, Massa claimed the FIA, F1 and former CEO Bernie Ecclestone conspired to disclaim him the 2008 title, after he in the end misplaced by one level to Lewis Hamilton.
The defendants tried to have the case dismissed, claiming that it was Massa’s efficiency that value him that yr’s title. Nevertheless, after a listening to on the Excessive Courtroom in London, Mr Justice Jay allowed the damages declare to proceed, ruling that Massa had “an actual prospect of proving[his case]at trial” when it comes to compensation.
What Massa did not succeed with was his argument for a declaration that he ought to have been world champion in 2008.
“Mr. Massa is just not entitled to assert declaratory reduction on reputational or publicity grounds,” the choose added. “In fact, the present allegations can’t rewrite the end result of the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship, but when declaratory reduction alongside the strains sought is granted, that’s how Mr. Massa’s victory will probably be proven to the world and the way it will likely be perceived by the general public.”
Following the choice, Massa issued a press release saying he was in search of not solely compensation but in addition justice for F1 followers.
“It is a great victory. It is an ideal day for me, for justice and for everybody who loves F1,” Massa mentioned. “The court docket understood the energy of my case and refused to let the defendants silence the reality about 2008. They did every part they might to cease this case, however our struggle was for equity, and right now we received.
“The reality will prevail in court docket. We are going to go away no stone unturned. I’m extra decided and assured than ever. Justice will probably be served. For me, for the Brazilian individuals, for the tifosi, for all motorsport followers who deserve an sincere sport, and for the way forward for System 1.”
“I want to thank my glorious authorized workforce, my household, and God for guiding us and by no means shedding religion. Collectively, we’ll see this by way of.”
Following the dismissal by the Excessive Courtroom of three features of the FIA-related case, specifically the request for declaration, the governing physique mentioned: “The court docket has allowed the allegations of conspiracy by illegal means in opposition to the three defendants to proceed to a full trial, albeit on a considerably restricted foundation.”
