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Montezemolo ups pressure on Massa
ESPNF1 Staff
December 22, 2011
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Felipe Massa has to improve in 2012 © Getty Images
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Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has reiterated that 2012 will be a make or break year for Felipe Massa at Maranello.
Massa struggled for form in 2011, scoring less than half the points of team-mate Fernando Alonso and failing to finish higher than fifth in any race. Montezemolo has already said he expects more from Massa next season, but upped the pressure on the Brazilian during an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.
"We weren't happy with him and he wasn't happy with himself," Montezemolo said. "But I'm confident that with a car that is able to heat up the tyres faster he'll be able to become more competitive again".
He added that Massa's tenure at Maranello "could also continue" but warned Ferrari is "always looking around."
Asked if he would like to bring world champion Sebastian Vettel to Ferrari, Montezemolo said: "He's a smart lad. I like how he behaves, and if I have to choose between drivers with equal skill I'll always take the one with the better head. However, today I wouldn't trade Alonso for anyone, because in a race he's the strongest driver around."
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Massa is not a bad driver at all, but he is not in the top 10 drivers right now...It is clear that Alonso is better, this year's car might have suited Alonso better, but lets not forget 2010, when he was new to the team, and the car was not built around him, he was always consintently quicker than Massa... Alonso - Kubica for 2013... dream team, and they arealso very good friends... it could be just perfect.
Posted byFerrari was a very good driver.Even today totally dedicated,works really hard. After a major accident, he happened to come back very strong on that grid with Bahrain race with podium finish. 2011 - 150 F1 car did not suit him it doesn't mean he is bad driver.
Posted byIt seems any Brazilian driver drives for Ferrari becomes a sacrificial LAMB!
Posted byYou need to leave Massa alone. There are too many that have read in the wrong performance charirstics for this wonderful driver. It will be something simple that will change the outcome of these races. When he stumbles upon it ,it wil bring an immediate response. Massa is no rookie, he will get the job done.
Posted byLet's squeeze that dead orange all over again.
Posted byFerrarri is in a messs....after 2 years alonso joined the team still a mess...gauntlet is coming donw and masa is on the slaughtering table...sombody got to pay....masa is the most vulnerable...i am not saying alonso is better driver or anything but i think the car is tuned to alonso's style of driving....poor masa...
Posted byUnfortunately, Massa has just never been the same since his 2009 incident. Surely we aren't questioning a driver like Felipe? Do you remember his drive in Brazil in 2008? It was masterclass from P1 to the checkers, under heavy pressure. Let's not forget he was one point from being a WDC. Felipe has a BIG heart. He may not be the most talented, but he leaves it out on the track. I'm giving him a pass this year & hoping he puts together a solid season in 2012.
Posted byEverybody knows that the Ferrari will not keep two top driver. They are not like McLaren team having two best Champion in their team and them race against each other. Ferrari always want only one best driver and a second driver, and once a second driver being sign forever a second driver.
Posted byMassa will be the first to tell you, that it's never HIS fault
Posted byI agree with Wises assessment of Massa. Hes not a bad driver, nor a good one. Hes a competent driver at this point, nothing more or less. Hes gonna do with the cars is capable of and not much else. Im not completely blinded by my fandom to notice that the 150 was not car that can make any driver look good. Alonso had to will it to go race pace on anything other than options. But I do think a tweak here, or there. Along with the clear cut rules next season, could see Massa in allot more races. To be honest Id rather go after Hamilton than Vettel though.