- Ferrari news
Montezemolo considers future drivers
ESPNF1 Staff
January 4, 2012
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Luca di Montezemolo was impressed with Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg © Getty Images
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Luca di Montezemolo has admitted that he has considered a number of potential future drivers for Ferrari in case Felipe Massa does not perform in 2012.
Massa's disappointing season in 2011 has led to speculation that he could be replaced, and while Ferrari insists it will see out his contract Montezemolo has confirmed the next year will be key. In the case of Massa losing his seat, Montezemolo admitted he had been casting his eye over the rest of the grid for potential options in 2013.
"Jenson Button was just excellent (last season)," Montezemolo is quoted by Corriere dello Sport. "Mark Webber is a good second driver, and Nico Rosberg has done well with a car that has not been competitive. It is also good to develop drivers within yourself, so while Sergio Perez is a Sauber driver, in fact he has developed in Ferrari's academy. (And) Jules Bianchi could develop further if he can test."
Despite considering other names, Montezemolo said that Massa is his first choice because he's confident he can rediscover the form that almost won him the world championship in 2008.
"2012 is the crucial season for Felipe. We were not satisfied with his past season and neither was he. What I cannot forget is the fact that Felipe was often faster than Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. He helped Kimi to his championship and a year later was a hair short of being champion himself. If the tyres warm up for him better next season, we believe Felipe can cope much better."
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Montezemolo should not troublesome about Massa, you had better challenge Alonso for speeding up get champion for Ferrari. I believe that for 2012, Massa will challenge Alonso, even faster than him for some race, please treat both drivers in same condition.
Posted byI very much doubt Mark Webber will joing as "second driver" i know Montezemolo is a bit of a nut case but to say Webber is basicly just a second driver when he could of won 2010 WDC is a big insult, Buttton might depends on how this year unfolds, possibly Kubica depending on how his recovery goes, the only reason my thoughts of massa keeping his seat is because noone else was avalible or because of the crash he had.
Posted byI don't really understand why people say that Mark Webber is that great, I'd rather to have a season like Felipe's than Mark's, yes he didn't win a single race and wasn't close to win one, and obviously Fernando beat him, but at the same time Alonso wasn't that close to RBR and Mclaren and he just won 1 race by showing how good he is, in the other hand you have Sebastian wining 11 races and Webber got just 1 win and because Sebastian's car had a gearbox problem if I'm not wrong. I think Webber should have been 2nd and by a really comfortable gap between him and 3rd place.
Posted byhopefully massa will up this game this year and hold on to the seat cant see ferrari puting a driver in that will beat alonso anyway
Posted by@Miles McMiles, Webber may not appreciate it, but it is the reality.
Posted byI think Ferrari are stupid to waste another season on Massa. But then again all they want is someone to support Alonso. They need some that will push Alonso. What do they care if they squander another few million $?
Posted by2013 series could see either Mark webber or Kimi raikkonen in ferrari if Felipe Massa doesn't perform or possibilities are Mark webber being replaced by Kimi Raikkonen in RBR.Possibly we could see Robert Kubica then replacing Kimi as lead driver. TIER 1 group - Ferrari , Mercedes , Mclarren and RBR will not give any chances to risk their image in any of seasons to young drivers as for them TIER 2 like williams , renault , Force India , Sauber and others exist.Yes 3rd driver as an option is always open.2012 has just 2 race seats available.HRT and Williams.Lets see who gets it......2012 is going to be fantastic season with 6 champions on track.....August 2012 time to relax ...NO RACES as Mid year 3 weeks rest.
Posted byButton not going any where cause he like to stay with Mclaren. Webber don't like to be second driver so can forget about it unless otherwise Ferrari change their mindset. Rosberg well i think he would like to stay foot with Mercedes unless they can't provide him a faster car( just like Williams cant provide him a fast car for 3 years) New driver or they call it Rookie, I dont think Ferrari will pass a car to a rookie to drive, unless they have 3-5 years experience in F1. i personally think that if Ferrari really want to replace Massa, Fisi will be the best second driver. Fisi has been team mate with Alonso since Renault during 2005-2006. Fisi has been helping Alonso to claim his title in 2005-2006 and also Constructor Championship. He has been surprise everybody during Force India time getting the 1st pole position. So i think Fisi will be the best second driver for Alonso.
Posted byI'm sure Mark Webber will appreciate being called a "a good second driver"
Posted byMassa has lost it. I've been saying it for over a year now, i reckon Webber will be driving a Ferrari in 2013 on a one year contract, with an option for one more.