Massa: “Ferrari must still improve”

Felipe Massa was one of the five drivers who participated in the FIA ​​press conference at the Hungaroring circuit this afternoon; everyone was invited because they have a particular connection with this Grand Prix.

Some have won in the past, others made their debut on this track, while in the case of the Ferrari driver the reason, even a little macabre, was the fact that he suffered a terrible accident here in 2009. The Brazilian admitted that for him this has never been a place of particular success. “In 2007, I had to start from the back, after problems in qualifying,” he recalled. “Then, in 2008, I was leading the race with three laps to go until I had an engine failure and in 2009 my accident happened. In fact last year when I came fourth was my best result, so this year I'm hoping for a podium and of course I'll fight for the win. ”

The podium is definitely more likely than in the first part of the season. “The last two races were good for us, I was able to fight for the top positions,” said Felipe. “They were two good races also from the point of view of the duels on the track and now we have to work to improve even more.” Regarding the fact that the Hungaroring race comes a few days after the Nurburgring, Felipe argued that this does not represent a problem for the drivers. “He's not too demanding,” he said. “Anyway, this latest back-to-back is one of the best, as we have a long break coming up soon. However, for the team members, it is always difficult as they had no free time after the last race.” When asked why his teammate has achieved better results so far this season, Felipe was blunt as usual. “Because Fernando did a better job than me and I have no problem saying that. But I'm working to improve, taking care of the car's set-up and other aspects regarding performance. I'm pushing a lot on this aspect throughout this period.” There was a funny moment at the end of the conference when the drivers were asked how quickly they would leave Budapest after the race to start their summer holidays. “I'm going back to Brazil for a short time,” began Felipe. Even if it's winter and it's not that warm, home is still home.” Then, when asked specifically about his calendar, he said he was leaving Sunday night, but everyone in the press room thought he said Saturday night! “No, it wouldn't be that nice,” the Scuderia Ferrari driver said, laughing. “It reminds me too much of where I was on a Saturday night two years ago…”