Former Ferrari boss and FIA chief Jean Todt has called Felipe Massa's case to take the 2008 world title away from Lewis Hamilton "special" and believes the Brazilian has every reason to feel aggrieved about the whole ordeal.
The 'Crashgate' controversy is one of the most controversial moments in recent F1 history after Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed to give an advantage to Fernando Alonso.
The incident proved costly for Massa, who immediately pitted after the crash before Ferrari botched the stop and ruined his race.
He ended up outside the points while title rival Hamilton finished third for six valuable points, which Massa believes ultimately handed the Brit the 2008 title.
Felipe Massa wants to overturn the result of the 2008 world title
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The Brazilian opened legal proceedings against the FIA earlier this year after Bernie Ecclestone claimed he and Max Mosley knew about 'Crashgate' before it was made public knowledge.
Hamilton has dismissed questions over Massa's legal battle, but Todt has explained why the case shouldn't be completely dismissed.
"This case is special," he told L'Equipe.
"There was proven cheating that we only found out about later.
"The rule at the FIA has always been that the results must be ratified by Dec. 31, and that we never go back on them.
"For this Singapore case, the facts were only revealed a year later, and the sanctions imposed by the FIA before my arrival were cancelled by the Paris Judicial Court.
"If Ecclestone's claims that he and the FIA chose not to act on any knowledge of 'Crashgate' before it was made public knowledge then Todt believes that Massa has a chance of drastic action being taken.
"When I was president of the FIA, I was not informed of this," he added.
"Discovering that the federation knew the truth before this famous December 31 could indeed change things.
"Unfortunately, Charlie and Max have passed away. In hindsight, well, we should have asked for the race to be cancelled.
Jean Todt feels Felipe Massa may have a strong case
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"The completely new fact, if it is true and verifiable, is that the regulator who made the championship official knew."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated that he is also keeping a close eye on Massa's legal case with the suggestion it could have a knock-on effect for the 2021 World Championship.
"There's a civil case behind it, it will certainly set a precedent whatever it is," he said.
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"We are looking from the sidelines with curiosity."
