Felipe Massa declares 'victory' as £64m legal fight heads to trial

Felipe Massa has declared "victory" following the initial legal salvo in his bid for justice surrounding the 2008 Formula 1 title fight.

Following a three-day hearing last month at the High Court in London, and considerable deliberation by the judge overseeing the initial case, Mr Justice Jay, he confirmed the former Ferrari driver could proceed to trial, which will further expose the actions taken during the 2008 'Crashgate' saga in the Singapore Grand Prix.

However, whilst the ruling declared Massa could pursue damages for loss of earnings after missing out on the title to Lewis Hamilton - he is seeking in the region of £64 million - the court rejected his declaration that he should have won that year's championship.

The Brazilian and his legal team will now prepare for what will be a lengthy trial, going head-to-head against the combined might of the lawyers who will represent former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Formula 1 and the FIA.

Although Massa has been warned that the next step in the legal process will not be "plain sailing", at this stage in the proceedings, he could not contain his delight at winning the initial fight, albeit not the war.

Via a social media post on Instagram, Massa wrote: "This is a tremendous victory - a great day for me, for justice, and for everyone who loves Formula 1.

"The court has seen the strength of my case and refused to let the defendants silence the truth about 2008.

"They did everything possible to stop this case, but our fight is for fairness, and today we have won.

"The truth will prevail at trial. We will leave no stone unturned. I am more determined and confident than ever.

"Justice will be done. For me, for the Brazilians, for the Tifosi, for all motorsport fans who deserve an honest sport, and for the future of Formula 1.

"I want to thank my outstanding legal team, my family and to God, who guided us and never let me lose my faith.

"Together we will see this through to the end."