Massa: Monaco GP Could Still Bring Upturn in Fortunes
Felipe Massa is hopeful that this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix can herald a change in fortune for Ferrari, although the Brazilian admits it is too late for him to halt Jenson Button’s title charge.
Ferrari have picked up just six points in five races so far this season, compared with 68 for Button’s all-conquering Brawn GP team.
“I really think that the Monte Carlo race can be the turning point in our season,” Massa said. “We’ll have new things in our aerodynamic package.
“I’m here; I fight and push with the whole team to make things improve race by race. The time for a comeback always comes, and I’m certain it will. Today more than ever.”
Ferrari’s season has been characterised not only by an uncompetitive car, but also by embarrassing errors on the pitwall which have led to changes in team personnel. Massa, though, is happy with his own performance. Telegraph.co.uk
The Brazilian had to wait until the Spanish Grand Prix nine days ago to score his first points of the season - Massa showing some improvement after Ferrari’s poor start to the year by finishing sixth at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Even that result was clouded, however, as Massa ran fourth before concerns over fuel starvation saw him reduce his pace in the closing stages.
However, he has since changed his mind and, while acknowledging that Ferrari’s championship chances are slim, he now believes this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix could nevertheless bring an upturn in fortunes.
“The time for a comeback always comes, and I’m certain it will - today more than ever - both in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.”
“For all these reasons I believe in the first podium of the season, and also in our recovery.” Sky Sports
Ferrari have been beset by problems this year with a number of other teams - such as Brawn GP, Red Bull and Toyota - forging ahead on the track thanks to new Formula 1 regulations which the reigning constructors’ champions have struggled to adapt to.
Off the track, they have threatened to quit the sport over the budget cap and two-tier championship proposed by governing body, the FIA, and have now filed an injunction to block the move.
But the Brazilian, whose team-mate Kimi Raikkonnen finished a season-best sixth in Bahrain, insists they can turn their season around.
Massa trails Brawn’s championship leader Jenson Button by 38 points but is adamant Ferrari will fight until the end of the season.
“We’ll continue working on the car and will give it our all to win races and finish the championship the best way possible.” BBC Sports
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