FIA launches investigation into Felipe Massa's start at Belgian Grand Prix

Luca Bruno/AP

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa of Brazil steers his car during the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps circuit , Belgium, Sunday, Aug.29, 2010.

The Associated Press

PARIS—The world governing body of motor sports has opened an investigation into Ferrari driver Felipe Massa's start at last weekend's Formula One Belgian Grand Prix.

A FIA spokeswoman said Friday it is trying to find out how Massa started the race ahead of his designated spot on the grid without the incident being noticed until amateur footage was posted on the Internet.

It was unclear whether the Brazilian driver could lose his fourth-place finish.

In another case, Ferrari will face a disciplinary hearing next week after it was found guilty of breaking team-order rules at the German Grand Prix.

Ferrari was already fined US$100,000 after Massa appeared to let teammate and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain pass him to win the race on July 25.

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