Formula One: Felipe Massa rules out all threats to his Ferrari seat
The Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa denies all rumours of a tough 2011 season waiting ahead for him. He assured that he has defied the critics several times earlier as well, when they kept predicting his exit from Formula One, and once again, he will prove
them wrong.
The 2010 season has been undoubtedly the most disappointing one for the driver since he has joined the Italian team in 2006. The Brazilian had to walk out of the season without having bagged a single race win all through the season, as he granted his certain
victory at the German Grand Prix, to his teammate Fernando Alonso owing to team ordering.
Although the incident invited severe criticism and condemnation for the team, yet they stayed firm in their decision of supporting Alonso while asking Massa to act as a No.2 driver for the red uniformed team. Massa, who is much senior in the team, was asked
to assist Alonso in bagging his third world championship, however the team failed to lay hands on any of the titles, drivers’ or constructors’.
The poor incident of team orders in Germany, gave way to a lot of heat between the driver and his team, however now all seems to get settled for good as they together prepare for the upcoming season. Massa, although earlier this year pronounced that he will
prefer quitting the sport rather playing a No. 2 driver, has already signed a new two-year contract with the outfit.
Now, replying back all the speculations and rumours of a tough season ahead for the driver, the 29-year-old said that he is now much used to all these rumours and that his future is completely safe with the team. He explained saying that over the years he
has learned to pay no heed to the false statements of the press rather he keeps focused on his performance.
The Brazilian stated, “I don’t think 2011 signifies a crucial year for me. Fundamentally, I have been in this situation often. I remember that at the start of 2006, many people said I would only last a year at Ferrari and then I won races that season
and went on to stay for a long time more.” He further recalled 2008, when once again he was being criticised immensely by the race gurus and analysts but he was able to stand all criticism and kept performing pretty well all through the season.
Moreover, there were speculations earlier this year too that the driver will not be able to do well as he narrowly escaped a fatal accident last year in Germany. He had to stay off the track for three months following the crash however, Massa made his way
to the track right at the start of the 2010 season.
“Over the years, the names of at least ten drivers have been put forward as replacements for me at Ferrari, but I am still here! My approach always remains the same: starting the championship with the aim of winning as many races as possible.” the
racer declared.
He is resolute that he will enter the next reason with the same aspiration of reaching the top of the points’ tally and bagging as many race wins as he can. Since his last victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008, the driver had not been able to bag any.
He is very hopeful that the upcoming season will see Ferrari strong right from the start of the season, unlike this year when they emerged in the battle after a lulled mid season.
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