- Russian GP - Race
Todt denies snubbing Alonso
FIA president Jean Todt says he is upset by claims he snubbed Fernando Alonso on the grid during the build-up to the inaugural Russian Grand Prix.
Before the race drivers lined up on the grid for the Russian national anthem, which was followed by a moment of silence in support of the injured Jules Bianchi. After the race a video circulated on social media showing the FIA president walk past the outstretched hand of Alonso, who was at the start of a queue of drivers Todt then started greeting individually.
But Todt is miffed by claims this was done intentionally and says cameras did not pick up his initial meeting with the Spaniard.
"When a guy is fighting for his life, it is so sad that people can suggest something like this," Todt told Autosport. "Before the race I had walked from the back of the grid and had already greeted a number of drivers. I had hugged Alonso shortly before they lined up, so there was no need to shake his hand. I have never been so close to Fernando as in this moment, as we think of our friend in hospital."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
