Massa: Red Bull too strong for Ferrari?

Felipe Massa confirmed the good performances of the Team on the Suzuka circuit by taking the fifth time in free practice 2 (+ 0??547) behind the two drivers Red Bull. If his teammate Fernando Alonso managed to get ahead of the residents of the Taureau Rouge, the Brazilian was still impressed by the speed of the RB7s over the long stints.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were running in 1:37 over the long stints, a pace that the competition does not seem to be able to follow despite the unknown quantity of fuel on board. “It’s fast, 1:37, it’s even a little too fast”, deplores Felipe Massa. “It depends on the quantity of fuel on the long stints, there may be 20kg more or 20kg less, or even 30kg. Perhaps some drivers were driving with 100kg of fuel and others 140kg, there could be a significant difference. »

If the F150° Italia still seems less efficient than the RB7 on the Suzuka circuit, Felipe Massa is still satisfied with his car. “I couldn't keep the DRS open in the 130R corner, unlike the Red Bull drivers”, underlines the Ferrari driver. “It's not easy for our car, maybe it will be better tomorrow if the track offers more grip. The day still went well. We have to wait until tomorrow to see the real differences but the car is working well and I have more hope than in previous races. »