Felipe Massa clarifies controversies surrounding him
Felipe Massa has tried to extinguish the controversy which erupted at the end of the German Grand Prix. Massa was asked by his team-engineer to allow his teammate Fernando Alonso to over take him in the closing stages of the German GP. This action by Ferrari was severally panned by pundits and lovers of the sport alike. The move has also brought Massa’s status in the Ferrari team into the limelight as well. However, Massa insists that he enjoys equal position to his teammate Alonso in the team.
While talking to reporters in the pre-race press conference, Massa looked positive as he answered various queries relating to the incident. Answering the question regarding his status in Ferrari, the Brazilian explained that he is in no way considered as the number two driver. The driver was categorical in stating that it would be his last day in F1 racing if he is demoted to the number two status. Massa also insisted that he shares a positive relationship with his team when he said, “For sure I have spoken to everybody inside the team. As I said I am not here really to race, I am here to win. That is really my point. As long as I am in the condition to win, we need to go to the end, to fight for the victory.”
However, he also emphasized that he is a team player and this is clearly evident from his role in the 2007 Championships, which his teammate Kimi Raikkonen won. The driver referred to his role for his team in 2007 and 2008 F1 seasons when he emphasised that Ferrari enjoys his full support. Massa said, “If the team really has the chance to win the championship, I want the best for the team.”
Following Massa’s footsteps, Vitaly Petrov has also brushed aside all rumours regarding his future in Renault. The Russian has just accumulated seven points from the season so far. His teammate Robert Kubica has been impressive in this season with 89 points. Additionally, Timo Glock and former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen have been linked to Renault for the 2011 season.
However, Petrov is optimistic about his future. While talking to reporters, he brushed aside reports regarding his future in Renault One. According to him, it is his effort which is important to him and his team and not the results. He also denied any competition with his teammate Robert Kubica. Petrov was runners up in last year's GP2 championship. He believes that if he is given more time, he can replicate the success in Formula One racing as well. Petrov said, “I know what I can do. I'm just asking them to give me time. Time for me is important because when I was in GP2 I needed three years to be quick because I didn't do formula cars before.” According to Petrov, he is new to Formula One racing and needs some time to settle and understand the competitive nature of the sport.
Petrov and Massa are definitely under pressure but for different reasons. Massa has performed on the circuit but it is his status in Ferrari and the injustice done to him in the German Grand Prix which is under consideration. On the other hand, Petrov has been under criticism for his below par performances.
On the other hand, Red Bull Racing is hoping that they would not face engine problems in the upcoming Grand Prix. Both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were victims of engine problems last weekend at Hockenheim. Red Bull’s principal was not happy with the car engines this season but his hopeful about the future prospects. He said, “They were definitely not the best starts. It has happened to us several times this season.”
With the season reaching its climax, it is difficult to see any clear winner. There are five drivers who are in clear contention for the championship. As the 2010 season reaches its last stages, more controversies and entertaining match-ups are expected.
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