Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso (5/2 to win the Hungarian Grand Prix) has played down the events that caused the team order controversy at the German Grand Prix.

The Spaniard’s team-mate Felipe Massa was indirectly instructed to allow Alonso to pass him at the race in Hockenheim.

Ferrari have since been fined $100,000 for the manoeuvre that allowed the 29-year-old to win the race.

He said: “It is the past. I’ve nothing to say right now. That’s your opinion what you think about the fans.

“Some of them are happy with some races, not only in Germany, but other races this year, and some of them they don’t care.

“I arrived in Hungary and the airport was full, the hotel was full of people cheering for us, and that’s what I’ve seen so far,” he added.

Alonso (3/1 to win the drivers’ championship) is going into the Hungary Grand Prix this weekend in fifth position in the world drivers’ championship.

He might struggle to find a podium place in this race as Red Bull recorded a one-two in the opening practice session, with Sebastian Vettel leading the way.