Ferrari: Felipe Massa staying put
Wednesday 20th July 2011
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is adamant Felipe Massa will drive for the team next year.
Although under contract for 2012, Massa's seat has again been the subject of speculation of late with the likes of Jenson Button and Mark Webber mentioned as replacements.
It is unsurprising as the Brazilian has less than half the points of team-mate Fernando Alonso, and notably has yet to finish in the top four of any race this season.
Despite the statistics, speaking to Sky Italia Di Montezemolo said: "Massa and Alonso always bring something more.
"In the 1970s, when I was a young sporting director, people would say that car and driver counted 50-50.
"Nowadays the car counts for more, but it's in that 30 per cent the driver can make a difference.
"Alonso is super, Massa is coming back: I think the drivers are not a problem.
"This is the time for gossip, but next year's drivers will remain Alonso and Massa."
Di Montezemolo also firmly believes Ferrari cannot be counted out in this season's championship race, despite the fact Alonso trails Sebastian Vettel by 92 points.
Alonso's British Grand Prix victory, the team's first for 11 races, has proven they remain a force to contend with.
"We are all disappointed at not having been where we wanted to be at the start of the season," added Di Montezemolo.
"This is why I'm pleased with the Silverstone victory, with a demonstration of superiority that gives us good hope.
"The victory has certainly come at the right time, after a lot of work. I asked for a great reaction and I thank our men for the effort and the capabilities shown.
"We'll count the points at the end. In the meantime we are working with next year in mind too."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment