Alonso Could Be Stripped Of German Grand Prix Victory, Ferrari Fined
Fernando Alonso was clearly the fastest driver at Hockenheim today, but controversy surrounds his Grand Prix victory. Nonetheless, Alonso and teammate Massa devastated the competition in an exciting race – taking the top 2 positions – while Vettel, Hamilton, Button and Webber followed (in that order).
Fernando Alonso victorious at Hockenheimring
The FIA decided to fine Ferrari $100,000 for giving illegal “team orders” to Felipe Massa, asking him to let Alonso pass, which he did in the 46th lap. Such team orders were banned 8 years ago, after Ferrari told Rubens Barrichello to allow Michael Schumacher to pass during the Austrian Grand Prix in 2002. But Ferrari continues to use the technique, despite the ban – as seen in the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix between Massa and Kimi Räikkönen. Some feel the incident at Hockenheim today was as clear of a violation as the one in 2002.
Massa & Alonso At Hockenheimring
(Click to see full size images)
[Team Orders according to wikipedia:
...generally done when one driver is behind in a particular race but ahead overall in a championship season. The team will then order their drivers to rearrange themselves on the track so as to give the championship points to the driver who needs them most.]
The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) will also be investigating this incident and could potentially strip Ferrari, Massa and Alonso of the 1st and 2nd places they won today.
More info available @ CNN.com and Formula1.com:
Ferrari fined as Alonso denies Massa in Hockenheim controversy – CNN
Ferrari fined, referred to WMSC over team order allegations – Formula 1
Watch the race online (streaming video) at Youku.com:
2010 Round 10 German Grand Prix Race on Youku
German GP Results
1. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari
2. Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari
3. Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull
4. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren
5. Jenson Button (GB) McLaren
6. Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull
7. Robert Kubica (Pol) Renault
8. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP
9. Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes
10. Vitaly Petrov (Russia) Renault
Formula1.com has the complete results and Speed TV has the complete online Racecast (minus actual video of the race however).
Complete Grand Prix Championship Standings Thus Far
Drivers’ Championship (after 11 rounds)
1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren 157 points
2. Jenson Button (GB) McLaren 143
3. Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 136
4. Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 136
5. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari 123
6. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 94
7. Robert Kubica (Pol) Renault 89
8. Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari 85
9. Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes 38
10. Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India 35
Constructors’ Championship
1. McLaren 300 points
2. Red Bull 278
3. Ferrari 208
4. Mercedes GP 132
5. Renault 96
6. Force India 47
7. Williams 31
8. Sauber 15
9. Toro Rosso 10
