RFEA wade in and add their comments...The Spanish Motor-racing Federation (RFEA) on Sunday backed double world champion
Fernando Alonso in his row with McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton after the latter won the controversial Hungarian Grand Prix.
Hamilton replaced
Alonso on pole after a stewards' investigation found his rival had been wrong to wait in front of Hamilton in the pits for 30 seconds ahead of the pair's final qualifying runs Saturday which meant the Briton could not respond to Alonso's final quick lap.
Hamilton took full advantage with his third win of the season as Alonso trailed in fourth to leave the British driver seven points clear in the title race.
The RFEA said it felt obliged to speak up for Alonso in the form of an 'energetic protest', saying it accepted but did not agree with the decision to demote Alonso from pole.
The Federation also said it would use the means at its disposal 'to have this conflict cleared up.'
Alonso said he waited in front of Hamilton because he was checking whether the correct tyres had been fitted to his car, but race organisers rejected the excuse as well as McLaren's explanation that they held Alonso in the pits with Hamilton waiting to give the champion an opportunity of a traffic-free lap.
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"The RFEA believes
Fernando Alonso's explanation," the Federation said. "We wish publicly to make clear our total backing for, and absolute confidence in,
Fernando Alonso, who has shown his professionalism and honesty throughout his brilliant career."
"This Federation hopes these incidents do not happen again as they gravely harm the image of motor racing through its main representation: Formula One," the RFEA said.
Spanish media were apoplectic at the outcome, which dealt a blow to Alonso's hopes of a championship hat-trick.
'Hamilton pulls off Hungarian 'robbery',' was how the website of Cadena Ser radio saw the affair while Marca sports daily said on its website that 'Hamilton made use of the FIA gift.' Marca added pithily: 'Anyone can win like that.'
Source AFP
