Sunday, September 28, 2008
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix: Ferrari's Felipe failure story
28 September 2008The very first Formula 1 night race held in a brand new city - Singapore! After two practice sessions - one of which determined the positions of racers, the actual race revs by...
Felipe Massa, who won in the qualifying race and took the first position for the actual race, continued as first for more than 10 laps. A dramatic twist of fate cost him dearly. Not only did he came in first - from behind - he is also 7 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the championship hunt. With just three Grand Prix left at Japan, China and Brazil, what are his chances of winning?
Dramatic is the word to describe the series of events that led to his final placing.
The Brazilian was in the pits on lap 15 when he was given the green light and drove off with the fuel hose still attached to his car, leaving one of the pit crew floored and subsequently carted off in a neck brace.
Massa ended up sitting in his Ferrari at the end of the pit lane as the crew ran after him and managed to pull the hose free, but it ruined his chances. He was given a drive through penalty and rejoined in 18th place.
Below is a series of pictures illustrating Massa's first night race experience this season.
Felips Massa during the qualifying race, finishing his lap at the time of 1:44.801.
Massa taking the pole position at the start of the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix
How Massa's Ferrari's had an extended arm (the fuel hose)!
It was a miserable night for Ferrari with defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen ramming his car into the barriers with just four laps left.
The Massa drama occurred after the cars came in when Nelson Piquet careered into the wall, causing massive damage to his Renault.
