Brazilian GP: Williams F1 driver Felipe Massa excluded over tyres

Prior to the race at Interlagos, as per the introduction of recent regulations, the tyre temperatures on a number of cars were taken after the five-minute signal prior to the start was given.

The right-rear on Massa's Williams was measured at 137 degrees centigrade, 27 degrees above the maximum of 110 allowed by Pirelli.

The corresponding tyre pressure, with a temperature of 137, was measured at 20.6psi, 0.1psi above the minimum starting pressure.

The matter was referred to the stewards by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, and following a meeting with team representatives it was determined to clear breach of the rules occurred.

The end result is Massa has lost his eighth place, promoting Lotus duo Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado up to eighth and 10th respectively, with Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen ninth.

Williams immediately decided to appeal.

Via way of explanation, the FIA said: "The temperature of the right-rear tyre was measured in compliance with the FIA technical directive TD/029-15 (that relates to minimum tyre starting pressures and maximum tyre temperatures in blankets).

"The team did not comply with the FIA Formula 1 technical and sporting regulations, FIA international sporting code and the instructions of the official tyre supplier in the event preview."

HOME GP A 'DISASTER'

Even before losing his eighth-place finish, Massa had not enjoyed a strong home race.

A two-time grand prix winner at Interlagos, Massa confessed to being puzzled by his poor qualifying pace on Saturday and that did not improve in the race, finishing well behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth.

"My pace was a disaster all weekend," he said.

"I have no idea [why]. I was struggling during every session.

"Struggling in practice, qualifying and the race so I don't know.

"Normally this is a track that turns out very well - I'm always competitive here so I have no idea, but nothing was working during the whole weekend and especially for the race.

"We started eighth and finished eighth. I don't think we had a car maybe to fight for the podium today but maybe to finish a few positions in the front would have been possible."