"This claim was not well-received at the time." Felipe Massa informed the London court that Ferrari tried to prevent him from publicly discussing the 2008 'crashgate' scandal, and that his then-future teammate, Fernando Alonso, was aware of the intentional crash from the beginning. "In October 2009, I told journalists that I believe Fernando Alonso knew the crash was intentional," Massa stated during his testimony as he pursues legal action against the FIA, F1, and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. "This claim was not well-received at the time." The Brazilian asserts that Ferrari’s contract management company, GSA, produced an official letter asking him to retract his comments. "The letter was signed by Henry Peter," Massa noted, referring to the Swiss attorney representing Ferrari. According to Massa, Ferrari wanted him to publicly make the statement, but he declined. "Ferrari then prepared a statement for me, but I refused to issue it. Instead, I simply said it was time to look forward," he clarified. Massa, who lost the 2008 world championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point, also testified that Jean Todt, who was Ferrari’s team principal at that time and the father of Massa’s manager Nicolas Todt, already believed the Renault crash was intentional. "Todt said he was convinced Nelsinho crashed the car on purpose," Massa recounted. "I didn’t believe it at the time because I was aware of how much Jean disliked Flavio Briatore. There was a personal rivalry between them back then." These revelations emerge as Massa continues his legal battle over alleged inaction related to the Singapore GP scandal, which he claims cost him the 2008 world title.

      "Driving is physically quite challenging as I anticipated," he stated.

      Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has started his move from world rallying to single-seaters, completing his initial test in an older Formula 2 car in preparation for a transition to circuit racing with full backing from Toyota. The 25-year-old Finnish driver aims to compete in Super Formula in 2026 as part of a larger strategy towards Formula 1. He shared images from his first F2 test on social media, calling the experience both tough and exhilarating.

      "There are a lot of G-forces that are difficult to replicate, and it will take some time to adjust, so I’m pleased to have had this seat time and am eager for more."

      This test is reported to have occurred prior to his trip to Rally Japan, with Rovanpera utilizing an older-generation F2 car as part of an initial acclimatization program organized through Toyota’s driver development initiative. His shift represents one of the most ambitious transitions across disciplines in contemporary motorsport. Tero Palmroth, a former Indy 500 driver, commended the move in an interview with Ilta-Sanomat, calling it "a significant story for international motorsport" and "a bold leap from the heart."

      "Kalle’s project aligns perfectly with Toyota’s global motorsport goals," Palmroth added, highlighting the manufacturer’s increasing collaboration with the Haas F1 team. "This presents a remarkable opportunity for Toyota in marketing and narrative – and it’s entirely authentic."

      Palmroth believes Rovanpera’s mental fortitude will be a key advantage. "He’s competed under great pressure for years. While younger track drivers may possess better technical familiarity, Kalle has life experience and calmness that they lack. He is realistic, humble, and doesn’t expect any special treatment."

      Though Rovanpera’s long-term ambitions are evident, there is already speculation regarding a potential F1 seat—especially at Haas—given Toyota’s growing involvement with the American team. However, team principal Ayao Komatsu was quick to clarify any immediate association.

      "Rovanpera at Haas? That’s not part of our plans at all," Komatsu explained to motorsport-total.com. "Toyota’s interests are distinct from ours. If he performs well, that’s great—but he is not among our current considerations."