Massa to continue his battle following the Crashgate development.
Felipe Massa has stated that he will persist in his quest to be acknowledged as the 2008 world champion, even after achieving an initial legal milestone in the protracted ’Crashgate’ case.
Recently, a court mandated that FOM, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone cover part of Massa's legal expenses, but he maintains that the case represents more than just monetary compensation. "My goal is to be recognized as a champion," he told Diario Sport. "What happened to me is unfair in any sport."
Massa lost the 2008 championship to Lewis Hamilton by a mere point, with the race outcome significantly affected by the manipulated Singapore Grand Prix. "We were aware the race was compromised, but we discovered it in 2009 and had no means of appealing," he remarked.
"Once a driver is awarded the trophy and a new year begins, the result is immutable—except in cases of doping." Nevertheless, Massa references later admissions by former F1 chief Ecclestone, who revealed that prominent figures were aware of the scandal during the 2008 season but chose not to intervene.
"They were aware the race was manipulated that year and intentionally refrained from launching an investigation," Massa stated. "As a result, I was denied the chance to contest my championship." The ex-Ferrari driver made a clear distinction between a legitimate sporting defeat and what he perceives as an injustice.
"Sport is sport," he noted. "If your car fails, that’s part of sports. Losing by one point is also part of the game. But what occurred in Singapore is not part of fair competition." Massa expressed confidence that the reopened case will progress further. "I believe in justice," he asserted. "In this situation, we must prevail."
The 44-year-old acknowledged that the case has become his top priority. "Right now, all I’m focused on is seeking justice for 2008," Massa concluded.
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