Reigning Formula One drivers champion Fernando Alonso of Spain was called before race stewards at the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday following an accusation that he impeded Brazilian Felipe Massa during qualifying at Monza.
Alonso's session was already troubled: he suffered a high-speed tire blowout that damaged the rear of his Renault and eliminated any chance at pole position. He ultimately lined up fifth on the grid, while chief title rival Michael Schumacher secured second place for Ferrari.
Alonso dismissed Massa's complaint, arguing that his rival was 300 to 400 meters back and actually gained a slipstream advantage. "I didn't block anyone," Alonso said.
Alonso holds a 12-point championship lead over Schumacher with four races left, beginning with Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. The 37-year-old Schumacher is widely expected to announce his retirement after the race.
Despite the chaotic qualifying, Alonso expressed confidence heading into Sunday, noting that his team's race pace remained strong and that the car would be repaired overnight. He said finishing fifth given all the setbacks was a solid outcome.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.