Felipe Massa facing a new challenge

Arrived at Ferrari alongside Michael Schumacher, having rubbed shoulders with Kimi Räikkönen for three years and now riding with Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa rubbed shoulders with three World Champions at Ferrari. But it was really in 2010 that the Brazilian experienced his most difficult season, having been beaten from start to finish by Fernando Alonso. Supreme humiliation, the native of Sao Paulo was forced to step aside in front of his leader during the German Grand Prix, in the logic of the title race.

This year, Felipe Massa is offered the same challenge, with the certainty that his teammate will not do him any favors. But he retains all his determination. “My objective for this season is as clear as possible: to win races and fight for the title,” explains Massa, who wants to return to the hectic rhythm of the 2008 season, the one which could have crowned him World Champion within a few seconds .

“I know very well that things did not go as I would have liked last year but all that is already behind me,” asserts Massa who does not want to see Fernando Alonso as his leader. I have no doubt: I am capable of returning to the forefront. Certainly, Fernando was better than me last year. But I have confidence in my possibilities and I know that the team believes in me. »

Should Felipe Massa fear his Spanish teammate? If he has come up against formidable opponents in the past, this time the Brazilian must deal with a driver who knows how to surround himself and give himself the best chance of winning. But Massa feels capable of confronting him. “I had other valuable teammates! Michael, Kimi? In their time, I never had any problems with the car, which happened in 2010. I didn't feel good with the tires, especially the front tires. I was unable to adapt my driving style to these tires. It wasn't a problem of motivation at all. »