It’s often said the fans in Brazil are some of the most passionate Formula One fans you’ll ever meet. So much so, that they’ve threatened to have Felipe Massa arrested if he allows Fernando Alonso past under team-orders or, voluntarily.
The somewhat crazy news comes after a Brazilian prosecutor told the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper that Massa would: “Leave Interlagos in handcuffs, if it happens!”
Adding: “Massa or any other driver who does anything to fraud the result of the race can be arrested and formally charged.
“It doesn’t mean that it will happen, it will be up to the local authority in charge of the event to decide whether the law has been broken.”
Paulo Castilho, the prosecutor in question, refers to a Brazilian law which protects spectators interests and their right to see a fair competition.
Any use of team-orders, or worse, voluntarily giving up position, could result in the violation of the law – but don’t expect Massa to take the threats too seriously.
Meanwhile, the Ferrari driver has made it clear he will help Alonso if it means the Spaniard can secure the title.
When asked if he’d sacrifice his lead to the Spaniard, Massa replied: “I did already, no? In 2007 I did it, you don’t remember? I am a professional driver.
“He [Alonso] is first in the championship so for sure he can do it,” said Massa. “The focus is to win the championship. If he wins here for sure it is good for the team, but the focus is [only] that he can win the championship.
Discussion about this post