2015 Brazilian GP: Massa penalised for hot tyres

Sao Paulo, Brazil - Local hero Felipe Massa was excluded from the result of the 2015 Brazilian Grand Prix after the tyres of his Williams car were found to be too hot at the start of the race.

Pre-race checks found the temperature of the tyres on the Sao Paulo-born Massa's car were 137 degrees Celsius. The limit is 110.

Massa had finished the race in eighth position. His exclusion means Romain Grosjean of Lotus moves up to eighth, teenager Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso to ninth and Pastor Maldonado of Lotus to 10th.

Breach of rules

In a statement, the sport's ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), said: "The rear right tyre on car 19 did not comply with the maximum tread temperature as specified in the event preview of the official tyre supplier."

As it happened: 2015 Brazilian GP

It is the second disqualification in Massa's career.

He was also disqualified at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix where he exited the pits under a red light.

His Williams team confirmed they will appeal against the exclusion.

Felipe Massa excluded from #BrazilGP results for breach of starting tyre temperature regulations. Rear right tyre did not comply. #F1

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 15, 2015

Rob Smedley explains the situation with @MassaFelipe19's tyre. We have served notice of an appeal #BrazilGP https://t.co/rpu8Rojv3Y

— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) November 15, 2015