Ferrari to give Felipe Massa equal opportunity next season, Adrian Sutil not interested in Michael Schumacher’s job
Ferrari has decided to abolish hierarchy among its drivers next season and treat Felipe Massa on equal basis. Ferrari’s team boss, Stefano Domenicali asserted that the Brazilian Massa will not be made to play a subsidiary role in 2011. Massa had an excruciatingly
frustrating season this year as he was forced by Ferrari to play a secondary role behind ace-driver Fernando Alonso.
Alonso dominated the proceedings for Ferrari this season with the exception of German Grand Prix where Massa, who was leading the race, was ordered by the Ferrari officials to make way for the Spaniard. This incident created furore in the media and resulted
in heavy criticism against Ferrari. Talking to reporters, Domenicali said, “Our drivers have to know what is in the interest of the team. I can confirm that Felipe will be able to start from scratch in 2011. I trust him completely and want to make clear that
he is a great team player and a great driver. I think that when you do not have a perfect season, you have to look at yourself and react.”
Alonso has been a dominant force this season which can be substantiated from the fact that he is currently on the top of drivers’ championship table with two races remaining. As far as Massa is concerned, he has struggled to find consistency. One of the
reasons for his average performance is his inability to adapt to the Bridgestone tires. Commenting on it, Ferrari’s team boss stated, “Felipe knows that the team is with him. He knows we are here to make him the best driver he can be. I don't think his performance
is related only to the tires. We have to put all the pieces together and try to understand the reasons for him not having the best possible season.”
On the other hand, Adrian Sutil has dismissed rumours relating him to Mercedes for the 2011 F1 season in the wake of presumed Michael Schumacher’s exit. Sutil admitted that he would love to drive for Mercedes but also said that he has no intention of replacing
Schumacher in 2011. The seven-time world champion has failed to impress with his driving since his return to F1 circuit this year. He has been far from his best which is evident from the fact that he has failed to finish races on consistent basis. Resultantly,
he has been overshadowed by his team-mate Nico Rosberg who enjoys a meaty lead of 56 points over the former Ferrari driver. The German’s dismal season has sparked speculation in the media that he may quit by the end of this season. Newspapers have also tipped
Force India’s Adrian Sutil as Schumacher’s probable replacement. Commenting on it, Sutil maintained, “Michael is going to stay there for another year at least, and I think he has a three-year contract. Of course, it would be great to drive for Mercedes in
the future, but I think now is just too early, and they are just rumours. People expect him to be there where he ended three years ago, but that's not how Formula One is.”
Sutil enjoyed an impressive season with the newbie Force India as he posted 9 ‘points finishes’. Nonetheless, he is adamant that he expects his legendary counterpart to remain in the cockpit for coming years. According to Sutil, Mercedes isn't competitive
enough to win races for the German. He said, “It's not a winning car at the moment. You can make a reference to his team-mate. He's close and is getting better, so I suppose you could say it's probably not been a bad comeback. I just want to make sure to do
the right thing, but I can't say where I am going to be [next season]. I was planning to make a decision four weeks ago, but it is difficult.”
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