SPORTS

Pitstop blunder robs Massa of lead

September 28, 2008 19:41 IST

A disastrous pitstop sent Ferrari's title contender Felipe Massa from first to last in the Singapore Grand Prix Sunday.

The Brazilian, ahead of rival Lewis Hamilton and on course to take the championship lead at the time, was given the green light to go but the fuel hose was still connected as he accelerated away.

The Ferrari dragged the hose down the pitlane, knocking over mechanics in the process, before Massa stopped and waited for assistance.

After mechanics had struggled to remove the hose, the Brazilian rejoined Formula One's first night race at the back of the field.

He was then given a "drive-through" penalty for what stewards described as "unsafe release from pitstop."

A spokesman for Ferrari said the mechanic who had been dragged along by the car was not seriously injured but had been taken to the medical centre.

McLaren's Hamilton leads Massa by one point in the championship with three races remaining after Singapore.

Source: REUTERS
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