Felipe Massa’s woes continue into 2012

After a disastrous 2011 season for Felipe Massa, which saw him become the first Ferrari driver not to step on the podium since Ivan Capelli in 1992, it looks like 2012 is shaping up to be an equally frustrating year for the Brazilian.

In 2011, Massa suffered a season-long feud with Lewis Hamilton which saw the two come together on track numerous times over the course of the season. Felipe Massa was also overshadowed by a much stronger team-mate in Fernando Alonso, who secured Ferrari’s only win of the year at the British Grand Prix.

With question marks now over the security of Massa’s drive with Ferrari, it’s unquestionable that the Brazilian has no option but to up his game in 2012. And so far it’s not gone according to plan, as Massa spun off and beached himself in the gravel in only the first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix.

The incident occurred at turn 9, where the Red Bull of Christian Klien had a violent shunt under similar circumstances in 2006. Back in the Ferrari garage, there was shakes of the head as the mechanics watched the replay of the spin, clearly noticing Massa dip his left-rear wheel on the grass. This caused Massa to loose control of his Ferrari, and prematurely end his session deep in the gravel.

Whether this early mistake will set the tone for Massa’s 2012 season, or whether he’ll bounce back strong, time will tell. However, one thing is for certain and it’s that Massa has a lot to prove if he wishes to remain a Ferrari driver for much longer.

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