Ecclestone slams Ferrari after Vettel overtake saga

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has slammed Ferrari, after the recent saga pertaining to Sebastian Vettel’s alleged illegal overtake on the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne during the early stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The sport’s governing body the FIA has since confirmed that the overtake was legal, despite widespread speculation.

After an absolutely enthralling 2012 season, which included unpredictability and endless excitement, Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his opinion over the Sebastian Vettel overtake saga. The 82-year-old believes the speculation has somewhat overshadowed what was a thrilling season, and has confirmed plans to speak to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. Speaking to British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, Mr. Ecclestone believes Ferrari are “completely wrong” after they wrote to the FIA seeking clarification on the matter on Thursday.

“In the rules and regs normally you have to protest,” explained F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone to The Daily Telegraph. “They [Ferrari] missed that time. Then there is the fact that a green flag was shown, which nobody seems to dispute. It’s a complete joke. What they are saying in that letter is wrong. I don’t think there needs to be any action taken. It’s completely and utterly wrong. Personally I think it’s not really like Ferrari to do this. I think they badly wanted to win. But nothing will happen. What can they do? Take civil action? Maybe. But the case is flawed before it starts. Nothing is going to happen.”

Bernie Ecclestone believes it is a shame that the season has ended this way, with widespread speculation circulating the media pertaining to the legality of Sebastian Vettel’s overtaking maneuver on Jean-Eric Vergne. Throughout the due course of the 71-lap Brazilian Grand Prix, the German was accused of passing a further two cars under yellow flag conditions, however they were quickly dismissed after in-depth analysis. The third overtake on Vergne at one stage did appear to be illegal, however further analysis shows that a green flag was flown before the green light, with flags taking precedence over lights in the sport.

“It’s a shame because everything had gone so well,” continued Bernie Ecclestone to The Daily Telegraph. “It was a super race, a super Championship. Now everyone is talking about this. The problem is that no one knows what is going on.”

With the legality of Sebastian Vettel’s overtakes during the Brazilian Grand Prix now clear, the German can now begin preparing to defend his crown next season in the sport. However, one can be assured that Ferrari and Fernando Alonso will be more than eager to deny the German such privileges in what promises to be another fascinating season of F1 in 2013.

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