Massa: “We must progress more than others”

Wrapped in the winter jacket that he generally wears exclusively on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgian Grand Prix, Felipe Massa made a quick appearance in the cold paddock to meet, as per tradition on Thursday, journalists in the Ferrari hospitality area.

The representative of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro may be leading the championship, but he certainly isn't resting on his laurels. “We have to work as hard as possible, which we have been doing since the F10 project started last year, because we are surrounded by very strong teams and good drivers, with Red Bull and Mclaren currently as our main rivals, ” said the Brazilian”. “We have to push hard every day, not only improve, but progress more than the others if we want to fight for the championship race by race. It's better to be in the lead after three races than not to be first, but at the moment it doesn't mean much.”

The Brazilian driver was then asked if the battle for the title had already become a three-way race or if the former Brawn team could get back into the game. “It is said that Mercedes should have almost half a new car for the next race in Barcelona and we have to take this team seriously, because although it has a different name, it still won the championship last year,” commented the Brazilian driver. “So they could still be fighting for the title and should be considered on a par with the other two teams mentioned.”

We often expect the riders to comment on what will happen, but Felipe didn't feel like naming the possible winner, not so soon after the race weekend. “It's impossible to say on Thursday,” he insisted, “we'll have clearer ideas after tomorrow's free practice, but the clearer situation will only be after qualifying. We saw a strong McLaren and Red Bull in Malaysia, but if you analyze the race in detail, you can see that we had a great car. Let's see how things go on the track, there's no reason not to do a good job this weekend."

Only after three races, incredibly, there is already talk of the drivers' market for 2011. “From my point of view, at the moment there is no rush on this aspect,” said Felipe. “I am very happy with how we are working together as a team. Even before my accident last year, we had had preliminary talks about renewing my contract and I can say that those talks have started again. But at the moment, my main priority is to focus on this championship and do the best I can. At this moment the contract is not at the top of my list of thoughts.”