 Sauber: Massa Penalty Too Harsh Monday September 16th, 2002 Team boss Peter Sauber claimed that the decision to demote driver Felipe Massa 10 grid positions at the United States Grand Prix in two weeks was harsh but said the Swiss team have accepted it. Massa was given the punishment after causing a collision between himself and Pedro de la Rosa at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday, which put both drivers out of the race. Sauber felt the decision was harsh on the young Brazilian but told Swiss daily newspaper Blick: "The punishment is maybe too high, but we must accept it." The Swiss team boss admitted Sauber need to improve on their performances at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza if they are to remain fifth in the manufacturers' championship. Jaguar moved closer thanks to Eddie Irvine's podium finish in Italy, while Jordan and British American Racing are pushing hard to snatch fifth place in the standings. "We have to respect all three teams, they are scarcely behind us now," Sauber added. "We have seen what can happen in Melbourne and Monza if the top teams do not bring their cars home in the points and hats off to Jaguar and Eddie Irvine. "We were too slow in Spa and Monza and that has brought us no points. We must work hard towards Indianapolis at home and in testing at Silverstone."
Published at 12:59:56 GMT
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