Massa confident of his team’s chances at Belgian Grand Prix
Brazilian and Ferrari’s driver Felipe Massa is confident that his team will make full use of the new diffuser to gain leverage in the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. Ferrari comes to Belgium with full confidence as they won the German Grand Prix just before the four-week break and were second best in Hungary. Ferrari will be using an updated version of its diffuser during Friday’s practice before deciding whether to use it in the qualifying round and the race or not.
However, Massa is confident and positive ahead of Belgian Grand Prix but also accepts that this season is too close in terms of competition. He said, “Although, it was a very quiet holiday, I am fully prepared for this weekend in Spa, as I kept in touch with the engineers, even though they were not working in the factory. We look in good shape, with some new parts coming as part of our constant development programme on the F10.” According to Massa, track at Belgian Grand Prix is faster than most of the other tracks and it will be a tough competition. Massa believes that Ferrari is back in the race for title, courtesy of their performance in last few races and there is very little difference between drivers of the upper tier. He also added that this season will go to a wire and will be a very close call.
He believes that such competition is good for the sport and attracts a large audience. He said, “There are only seven races left to go and I think for the spectators and viewers at least, it should be a really exciting final part of the year, even if it might be a bit tenser for those competing. But I and Ferrari have been in this sort of situation before and we know how to deal with the pressure.”
On the other hand, McLaren has acknowledged its failure to understand the Red Bull's low-riding front wing ahead of Belgian Grand Prix. Front wings has been source of debate and issue of contention since last two races when photos showing Red Bull and Ferrari’s endplates were released to the media. It showed endplates running very close to the ground. Such front wings allow the cars more down-force and hence more speed. Resultantly, rival teams have demanded clear ruling on this issue by F1 governing body. FIA will be conducting tests on wings during this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. McLaren are hopeful that their team will pass the test and their MP4-25 wings will be cleared by F1. But McLaren will also be looking closely to the results of other rival teams. Talking about this issue with reporters, McLaren's managing director Jonathan Neale said, “I presume, because FIA's chief technical delegate has issued some clarifications for the coming race, that he has some level of disquiet about what is happening or maybe what is about to happen. We're working with the FIA and our first job this weekend is to make sure that our car complies fully with all the regulations.”
McLaren will be bringing three front wings to the Spa Francorchamps but has not revealed any details regarding their specifications. McLaren believes that by bringing number of alternatives, it will reduce the risk of being getting rejected by FIA technical team. Spa Francorchamps is also an unusual circuit in terms of down-force levels. Despite media frenzy surrounding the front of the car, McLaren are more focused on the car’s rear as it can provide them more leverage in the coming races.
As season progresses, competition intensify and drivers and teams will try their best to gain competitive advantage over their rivals. Whether it is the use of diffuser in the rear or front wings, any such change can ultimately seal the fate of the season.
Tags: