The Massa Sucks Thread *OF COURSE THERE ARE SPOILERS*

+1 Truer words have never been spoken. Clifford, while a little improved, remains an almost uncontrollable beast at times. Fred is making him do things he never should be doing - Right now, he's far and away the class of the field IMO.

More true words! I bet if we go back to Barcelona there's plenty of howls herein that the Rev should take his seat!..... Anyone still think that'd be a good idea? One of Freds "little names" (I love that quote!) has a decent race and they're immediately the next coming. Sorry guys, doesn't work that way - Experience & consistency count for a lot.

You guys crack me up with these statements. You, me, none of us *know* this. He's a little behind the fastest guy on the grid right now with a dog of a car that doesn't suit him at all. He's solid, reliable, keeps his head down and for the most part out of trouble. Sure, he's had some poor outings, they all do on occasion. Not helped by them all being so damn close right now; Hero to zero in under half a second.

We have absolutely no way of knowing if *anyone* (outside the big 3 at least) would do any better. These things are incredibly difficult to drive and there's a huge risk putting a relative newbie into 'em. The closest parallel we've got is the Badoer disaster, but Fisi was pretty well respected. Look at how well he did when pushed into the seat - I'm almost certain (although we'll never know) that <insert_flavor_of_the_week_jockey> wouldn't do any better, and probably worse. FWIW, given the opportunity I'd put $ on that too. Again, the team sees all and there's a lot to be said for the devil you know.

I said before, I suspect his contract won't be renewed next year. It will be interesting to see how any new #2 fares against Fred....... I have a feeling it won't be long before we hear "they should never have got rid of Phil!"

Cheers,
Ian

 

Yep - He had a puncture on the first lap (no doubt his fault! ) and was dead nuts last. Drove cleanly and obviously quicker than most everyone else to drag it up to 8th. FWIW, only ~25 seconds behind Fred at the end and with an extra stop to boot.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

Two words. Safety Cars.

 

Yer drinking the Chianti flavored Kool-aid.



Nothing gets folks quite so irritated as when a positive result upsets preconceived notions.

I still think it would be best for all if he "retired with honor".

 

And the SC's only benefited him? OK.

He went from 24th and almost a lap down to 8th - Passing the mighty Mark & Checo along the way BTW.

Cheers,
Ian

 

My original question, incase there is some confusion, was about his qualifying performance and not his race performance but that is all irrelevant now but thanks anyway.

 

No doubt they bunched up the field but did they change the order?

 

My answers are supposed to be limited by your inadequate questions?

Bah, what fun is that?

 

They allowed him to catch up with the field so saying he "only" finished 25 seconds behind Alonso means nothing. Don't get me wrong, I think he drove well, just needs to get with the program in qualifying. His race pace hasn't been all that bad this year but the guy can't qualify at all.

I would also disagree that he stays out of trouble - there are plenty of examples from the past two years that say otherwise.

 

I am indeed and agree with all points. If he doesn't get another year (and I'm no longer as sure he won't) I think he'll ride into the sunset. OTOH, a few good races and the no-memory goldfish here will change their tunes I think.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

A memory is no asset when you have the lifespan of a goldfish.

Just saying.

 

Hey I'm just asking inadequate questions because I know I will get an inadequate response from you.

 

Ain't it great when things work out?

 

Yes sir it is and "inadequacy" is not a flaw but an endearing trait, ask me how I know haha?

 

Not sure I want to know

Provocatively incomplete any better?

 

Read it and weep boys!!! Good on ya Felipe!!!


"Ferrari is set to announce that Felipe Massa is staying with the famous Italian team in 2013.

Intense speculation has surrounded the future of the Brazilian, who since 2010 has struggled to shine alongside his highly rated teammate Fernando Alonso.

But in an article by veteran correspondent Roger Benoit, the Swiss newspaper Blick said the 31-year-old is staying put in the wake of his recent form surge.

"It (2013) will be his eighth season in red," wrote Benoit.

In Singapore last weekend, Alonso publicly backed Massa, deriding the "little names" that had been linked with his place for next season.

"With all the names you hear, if you compare what Felipe has done and what these little names have done ..." he said.

"In my opinion, we need to have a driver that respects Ferrari, that respects the tradition that here we work for the team, for the red cars," added Alonso."

 

+1 If true.....

Uh-oh! Benoit! The EJ of the Swiss press - Throw it out there and then gloat if correct and drop it if not........

I hope it's true, but that source leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Cheers,
Ian

 

The team via Stefano said they will not be rushed today, again. He said when they announce the decision then the world will know what the team thinks. He said they will not allow this to be a public decision.
Other than the words of support from FA before the Singapore race, all is rumor if Domencalli is to be believed. It is interesting to see FA be so public, vocally supportive of Massa in the face of the team's stance on its timeline for decision.

 

"and someone who will continue to be my b!tch!"

 

Golly. Now that Phil is in the high corn I hope he keeps Alonso as a teammate.

 

35 races without a podium finish.
Most in Ferrari history.
In the Enzo days he would have been.
Finished that is.

 

That would be Mr Biach to you!!

 

I sure hope he's done. I don't dislike the guy, but it's long overdue to get someone better.

 

Roger Benoit's article have to be seen in their context and read between the lines whether he is purely speculating (trying to sell some news papers) or whether he is actually presenting a fact as the first. Given his special role within F1 (has been covering every race for Blick for like 40 years and counting and is best buddy with Bernie and runs the teams very own betting pool) you can't discount his connections and sources.

I read the article on Blick and the tone he uses is absolute fact.

So I believe this story. Still doesn't make it true until we have heard officially, but it sure does sound like the real deal.

Which of course totally sucks.

 

So Alonso is happy with the status quo - he doesn't want a potential challenger as a team-mate and Felipe has previously shown that he obeys team orders when they are given.

Holding on to that really hairy pass in Singapore was impressive, but I wouldn't have resigned him on that one overtake alone.

All the best,
Andrew.