Massa/Hamilton: Herbert defends himself

The contact between Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton, as well as the penalty imposed on the Brazilian, continues to make people talk. This time, the word is given to Johnny Herbert, the driving commissioner of the Indian GP.

Published on 02/11/2011 à 14:22

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In his column in The National, the Briton defends the decision taken during the Indian Grand Prix after the collision between the Brazilian and his British rival. “ The decision to penalize Felipe Massa for his contact with Lewis Hamilton was taken for a simple reason: he could have avoided the collision, explained Johnny Herbert. I know Massa was furious after this punishment, but I think we made the right decision ».

This sanction, he asserts, was not taken hastily. “ We watched the replays several times to confirm a possible sanction. Looking at the different cameras and angles, and all the data we had, it was clear that Massa knew where Hamilton was before he cut him off. “, he emphasizes. This is confirmed by the vision of the Brazilian?s rear view before the contact between his Ferrari and McLaren.

Find the full report of the first Indian Grand Prix in issue 1829 of AUTOhebdo, currently on newsstands.