Felipe Massa is Ferrari’s no. 1 driver for team Boss Luca Di Montezemolo
Ferrari team's President, Luca Di Montezemolo has rubbished the assumptions that Felipe Massa is the No. 2 driver for the team saying that Massa never was and never will be the back-bencher.
Ferrari have been accused of team ordering a number of times in the past and now after their 1-2 finish in Germany, they were once again charged with the same but the team brushed away all such accusations while making it clear that they believe in fair
play and are running fairly this season as well.
However, only a few days back, the team president urged his driver that he wants to see a stronger Massa on the track. He asked for full support from the Brazilian as well as their winning driver, Fernando Alonso.
Montezemolo seemed to be warning the racer as he said that whoever races for Ferrari does not race for himself but for the best of the team and the same is expected from Massa as well. The Italian said, “Those who race for Ferrari don't race for themselves,
but for the Ferrari team colours. One who wants to race for himself will have to face his team,"
Meanwhile, Massa stated that he played somewhat of an assistant’s role for Alonso so far this season only because he himself was having a tough time with the tires and had little hopes for victory. However, he now is adamant not to be spotted as the number
two driver of the team ever in future.
Massa added that he does not want to ruin his career or else his reputation by being another Rubens Barrichello for Ferrari. The Brazilian firmly stated, “If that happens, I will stop driving. I'm not going to go racing to be eligible for second place.”
The angry driver's response stirred the team which made the team president clarify his statement as he said, "It's an important time and I'm sure that everyone will give everything they have in order to achieve our objectives. Felipe is and will always stay
a number one driver for Ferrari. I expect the performances of a number one driver from him - both in the next four races and next year.”
While explaining the team’s decision to focus on Alonso, Montezemolo proclaimed that Massa looked simply out of contention for this season’s title which is why they backed Alonso. Earlier, Montezemolo had also admitted that the move has rightly served the
team. "The decision to focus on Alonso has proven to be the right one.”
However, he now maintained that this does not mean that this strategy would be continued for the next season as well as Alonso hasn't reserved the team's permanent support rather it was only the demand of the year that was fulfilled.
The Ferrari team has already arrived in Japan for this weekend’s race at the Suzuka Circuit but Di Montezemolo hasn't been able to accompany them. However, he talked to the team members on telephone yesterday and rest assured that the entire Ferrari crew
is well motivated and is looking forward for a great weekend.
Tags: