Massa to Lose Ten Grid Positions at Indianapolis

Brazilian Felipe Massa will be dropped 10 places at the United States Grand Prix after the race stewards imposed a penalty on the young Brazilian following today's Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit.

Sauber driver Massa was involved in an incident with Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa after which both men were forced to retire from the race. Massa and de la Rosa were summoned by the stewards after the race, and they deemed the Brazilian was at fault.

The steward penalised Massa and the Sauber driver will be dropped ten grid positions at the following race at Indianapolis in two weeks time. It's the first time that the new penalty, which was introduced this year, has been used.

"The Stewards of the Meeting received a report from the Race Director, stating that the driver of car number 8 (Felipe Massa) caused a collision with the driver of car number 17 (Pedro do la Rosa)," said the statement from the race stewards. "Both drivers and their representatives were summoned.

"Having heard the explanations of both drivers and viewed video evidence, the Stewards of the Meeting decide to impose a penalty on the driver of car number 8 (Massa) of a drop of ten grid positions at the next Event (2002 USA Grand Prix), in accordance with Article 55(c) of 2002 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations for causing a collision contrary to Article 53 of the aforementioned regulations."

The stewards said that Sauber have the right to appeal the decision.