Racing accident, says Massa

Ferrari's Felipe Massa denied deliberately colliding with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in a clash of the Formula One title rivals at yesterday's Japanese Grand Prix.

"I have a good relationship with Lewis and would not do anything to destroy something on purpose. Definitely not," the Brazilian told reporters.

Massa was given a drive-through penalty after tangling with the championship leader on lap two at Fuji, leaving the Briton 18th.

Hamilton eventually took 12th place after being similarly penalised for cutting across Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the start.

"After turn 10 we both braked late and he pushed me a little," said Massa, who ran over the kerb on the exit of the chicane and clipped the McLaren's rear wheel, forcing it to spin.

"I had two wheels on the gravel because he pushed me. In my opinion it was just a racing accident. It was hard but fair. The drive-through really hurt my race."

The Brazilian was critical of Hamilton's rash dive inside Raikkonen at the first corner.

"Lewis had a bad start and lost position and he tried to brake when everybody was already turning into the corner," said Massa.

"It was not right. Kimi passed him and then he pushed Kimi too wide. It was too optimistic, especially if you are thinking about the championship."

Massa refused to be drawn into a row when asked why Ferrari mechanics were pumping their fists in delight after he had bumped into the McLaren of Hamilton.

"Any time you see a Ferrari car in front of a McLaren it's a good thing for the team," said Massa.

"But you're trying to pour fire on the (situation). I admire Lewis as a driver and a person and I'm sure he admires me as well.

"I have no problem saying hello to him, or discussing stuff or having fun. I won't change my approach."

Massa, who will be a favourite to win his season-ending home race in Sao Paulo after the next round in China, remained optimistic about his chances of becoming Brazil's first champion since Ayrton Senna.

"It could have been better, it could have been worse," said Massa.

"My chances are not so different now. We cannot leave here saying it was a disaster."