Formula 1: Felipe Massa says changes are heading into right direction
Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has stated that the changes made to the Formula 1 regulations for the 2011 season are heading into the right direction.
He appreciated the return of Kinetic Energy Recovery System and Pirelli tyres to the sport.
Along with the return of some technical changes, the sports governing body, International Automobile Federation, (FIA) has also allowed adjustable rear wings to the teams which will help in overtaking manoeuvres.
KERS was not appreciated by many teams when it came back to the sport in 2007. The teams which used the KERS in their cars had the disadvantage of carrying extra weight with the car. However, the teams in 2011 will not have any problem with the KERS as the
minimum car weight has been increased.
Massa said, “Compared to 2009 the situation is different because the minimum weight of the car has gone up. Two years ago every ounce could have an influence while today there’s a bit more margin.”
There is also an advantage with Massa as he is one of the lightest drivers in terms of weight amongst all the Formula 1 participants. The Brazilian driver commented, “Believe I’m one of the lightest drivers, if not the lightest: let’s say I will always pay
attention to avoid gaining weight – but without going over the top.”
The Ferrari driver said that the changes made to the sport are good but they will bring some challenge for the drivers in 2011. He said, “We will certainly have more buttons on the steering wheel and we will have to pay a lot of attention – for example with
the buttons to activate KERS, which you don’t use all in one go but at different parts of the circuit according to the track and the moment. As for the rear wing, we won’t be able to make a judgement until the first races.”
Massa has been under a lot of pressure after he failed to perform as expected. His teammate Fernando Alonso ended up as the runner-up in 2010 and Massa was nowhere near his teammate.
The Brazilian driver is confident that he will have a better 2011 season and all the criticism will be answered with his performance. Alonso also said in an interview earlier that he would like his teammate to step up and compete for the drivers’ championship
in 2011.
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