Ferrari, Massa: “I hope to have a good race for our incredible fans”

While the media, in today's FIA press conference, were intent on attributing Italian origins to the Toro Rosso driver, Daniel Ricciardo, and the Lotus reserve driver, Jerome D'Ambrosio, the attention was mainly focused on the two drivers sitting side by side with the colors of the Prancing Horse.

Felipe Massa, after a good race on Sunday at Spa, was more than happy to present himself to the microphones. “I am very satisfied with the performance of our car in the last race, when we were even more competitive than in qualifying, where I had struggled a lot, especially in the second sector. With a more capable car in the race, I was able to fight and overtake even faster cars. I made a good start, immediately overtaking three or four opponents. However, due to the accident, I was forced to leave the track, nullifying my overtaking and losing many positions. After the Safety Car came in, I had to start my race all over again: if it hadn't been for this, I probably could have fought for the podium."

In any case, the good performance obtained in Belgium does not leave the Brazilian driver with the illusion of being able to easily repeat the same performance, with his F2012, here in Italy too. “Although it is another high-speed circuit, Spa is a very different track to Monza. In Belgium it is necessary to have a good downforce, while here the characteristics are different. We have to wait and see how the car performs here in Monza and I hope to have a good race in front of our incredible fans." Since the start of the season, almost every Thursday at the Grand Prix Felipe has had to face questions about his future and today was certainly no exception. “There is no news yet on my future, I am only focusing on the remaining races” – he reiterated. “I hope it won't take too long for an answer, but for now the most important thing is to get good results.” The Brazilian was asked if he felt capable of beating his teammate before the end of the season. “Yes,” was the immediate response. “Every circuit we go to, I try,” he replied before explaining why he is convinced that Saturday afternoon is the key moment of the weekend. “Qualifying is a very important factor for us because it can make the race easier for us. I didn't do very well on Saturday this year, although after the first three races it went better. I'm very focused on qualifying to be able to race at my best. I expected to be in a higher position in the standings than I am at the moment and, if I were to improve my qualifying and finishing position in the race, the results could change completely. I haven't signed anything for next year yet, but I think there are still possibilities, I just have to wait and see. I don't know when a decision will be made."