read this earlier . . . (should be interesting) . . . . Massa won't 'lift a foot' for Raikkonen Felipe Massa believes he has proven critics wrong this season at Ferrari and has warned future teammate Kimi Raikkonen to expect fierce rivalry over the leadership of the Italian team. Massa has landed the 2006 race seat alongside Michael Schumacher after fellow countryman Rubens Barrichello left the team to join Honda. But Massa's contract was for one year, and few believed a year ago that he would land a longer term contract by the end of the season. With third place in the final championship standings and with two wins - including an emotional home victory at Interlagos last weekend - Massa believes he has vindicated himself and will begin next season on equal footing with Raikkonen. "At one point, everyone was saying I would leave Ferrari after just one year," Massa told reporters. "Everyone said the 2007 drivers would be Michael and Kimi. "Well, I knew that the first year at Ferrari would be apprenticeship, that I would be the second driver. "But I closed the gaps that needed to be closed, and I don't think I did badly; on the contrary... "Now we start back from zero: the team game has ended, and I don't think I'll lift my foot off the throttle to let Kimi through." Massa, who yesterday received a medal for merit in sports from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, added that the onus is on Raikkonen to assert himself within Ferrari. But the Brazilian admitted he looks forward to battling with the Finn. "[Kimi] is a fine driver, but he arrives in a new team, and it will first be up to him to conquer the team," Massa stated. "It will be a great battle, but fair." Meanwhile, Raikkonen himself doesn't seem too worried about inter-team battles at the Scuderia and said the only thing that matters is how fast the 2007 car will be. "I expect a good season," the Finn said after Sunday's race. "It's too early to make exact predictions, but seeing the speed shown by Ferrari here at Sao Paulo, I hope they'll be able to maintain it when I get there." * * * Carol
I think Massa makes a great point. I'd be saying the same thing if I were him. Massa did play apprentice in his first season. He payed his dues. He kept his head down and did what he was told. I've got every bit of respect for Massa. He's a stand up guy. Do I think Kimi should be number one driver? Yes and No. Kimi is older and more experienced and I think deserves that title. Do I think Massa should be number 2 driver? Yes and No. He's earned the right to be number one. I think it kinda sucks for him to get number 2 position. But, if he is number 2 driver (and he will be) he should keep his head down, press on and let his driving do the talking. Who do I think the better Ferrari driver will be in 2007 and who will win the WDC?? Kimi by a landslide!!! This is assuming that the Ferrari will be as good a car as 2006 or better. If I were Massa I'd ask to be number 2 driver. Then I'd take that number 2 and win the WDC!!! How many #2 drivers have won the WDC?? That would be bad ass!!
Massa will out perform Kimi by a large margin IMHO...if their cars are otherwise equal, Massa will be Alonso's only competition for 2007...http://www.felipemassa.com/
Massa has another year experience under his belt and Alonso's 2006 competition MS is gone...I never liked MS, but I do like Massa...
You're dilusional. The only reason Massa won Interlagos was that he sat in the best car/engine/tire package of the grid. What he was really "worth" was plainly visible when he didn't manage to run away with empty tanks from MS with full tanks after MS pitted. Massa is good and a solid #2 driver. But he is not on the Alonso/Kimi level.
Unless I completly misjudge Kimi, I don't think he cares if he is Number One at Ferrari, who is his team mate, or what they say about him. Team politics and media pressure (it's an Italian team), should go well over his head. The guy seems very cool-headed to me, and is only interested in racing (maybe not too much in testing), whatever the circumstances. If the car is reliable, I'll put his foot down and go.
I wouldn't be surprised if Raikkonen loses to Massa early on... Barrichello took some time to adjust after six years with Ferrari...and we saw Ralf, JV (Sauber), JPM (McLaren) last year. They got up to speed in the 2nd haft of the season and at the end they all lost against their teammates. (not Ralf) Heidfeld and Massa were quick right from the bat. But Massa knew the Ferrari electronics (testing in 2003, and Ferrari electronics on the Sauber cars) and Heidfeld drove for Sauber in the past and drove BMW engines in 2005.
Schumacher knows a thing or two about driving and he always said Massa was good so he must be. In my opinion i think most people reckon Kimi will be too fast for Massa but i wouldn't be so sure. I reckon he will show his worth next year as he has done first class beside a driver who was the king and totally dominated every other team mate he was raced with over the years. I don't know why people are not giving him more credit but either as long as it is a ferrari first over the line i don't care if George Bush is driving it!
How much does that suck for Reuben's. If he would have just stayed one more year he would have been the big cheese.
yea...if rubens had stayed..it would be him winning last weekend's brazilian GP. what did he prove by leaving Ferrari? where did it get him too? i bet someday, he's gonna regret that decision..
oh. i get ur point now. but i dunno...he seems demotivated after all, particularly after that incident at Monaco with Michael. i suspect he made his decision after that.
So with your logic the only reason MS won 7 WDCs was because he was in the best car/engine/tire package each of those years...
Both of Massa's wins would've gone to Michael imo if it weren't for his problems (wait to pit, fuel pump, and tire slash). It will be interesting to see who can compete most with Ferrari. I don't think Renault can and it all depends on how the McLaren is. Honda still isn't as close imo...
