Massa: “I am professional”

Felipe Massa, who did not wish to elaborate on the reasons for Fernando Alonso's overtaking, is very disappointed not to have been able to win in Germany. But he takes responsibility for his actions.

Published on 26/07/2010 à 12:11

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Despite the signs of confidence renewed by the Team, Felipe Massa found in Fernando Alonso a tough opponent within his team. Sunday, at Hockenheim, the Brazilian stepped aside in front of Fernando Alonso, a gesture which excluded him from the race for the world title. The progress of the German Grand Prix only confirms the trend that has been emerging since the start of the year: little by little, under pressure from Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia places all its eggs in the same basket.

Professional, Felipe Massa assumes his actions but does not speak of team instructions. The Brazilian explains his erasure during the 49th lap (see video) by a problem of pace on hard tires, the line of defense adopted by Maranello. However, the Brazilian?s face deceived no one, even if he tried to put the team?s interests before his own in his post-race statements.

« I'm happy when I win a race, the Brazilian told us. This is the feeling a pilot is looking for. Today is a good result for the team. I can't say I'm 100% happy because I didn't win. But it?s a good result for the team. The team always works with the championship in mind. Today I didn't have a good pace with the hard tires. I decided to offer the best to the team. »

However, by “offering the best to the team”, he also indirectly penalized it. Analyzing a maneuver that was too conspicuous not to be punished, the commissioners imposed a fine of 100 dollars (000 euros) on the Scuderia. In addition, this incident will be discussed at the World Motor Sport Council.

But Felipe Massa has, more than seven points, lost a lot of credit during this German Grand Prix. The Brazilian press, shocked by this submission, has already compared this gesture to the treatment inflicted on Rubens Barrichello during the "reign" of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. “ Felipe, Rubens has enormously damaged his image in Brazil by doing what you did today », declared a Brazilian journalist during the post-race press conference.

« I am a professional, replied Massa. I was able to show, during my career, how professional I was. You are a professional too, you work for an employer. I think you do what you have to do. I am professional and today (yesterday) I showed that I am. That's all. »