Alesi calls for action after lucky escape

Rather than reacting angrily to his narrow escape he said Interlagos had to be helped to do things properly because it was underfinanced.

The Frenchman failed to live up to the the new promise he had predicted after driving the car on Friday and wound up 15th on the grid, while teamate Nick Heidfeld was four places lower.

He had come close to being hit by a cardboard six-foot advertiising hoarding which fell onto the track from an overhead gantry.

But it fell so close to him that it damged the right front wing.

"It was dangerous and I'm annoyed, but it wasn't intentional," he said.

"It was a stupid accident which could have been very serious. We should help the circuit make sure these type of things do not happen.

"They just don't have the money to do everything that needs doing here.

"Even though I am starting 15th we have every chance of finishing in the points."