Massa: Already looking forward to next season

Felipe Massa’s meeting with the media today in the Buddh Circuit paddock was dominated by just one subject, as this was the first time he had faced the press since the announcement that the Brazilian will be driving for Scuderia Ferrari again next year.

Had he been concerned about his future at any point? “Yes there were moments when I was worried, but then, after things started to improve, I was very calm about what would happen,” affirmed Felipe. “I did look around at the situation in other teams, but I never had what one could call real discussions with them, because I always wanted to stay here,” he admitted. In the end, the contract was signed in Maranello after a meeting with Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo. “We spoke of many things,” said Felipe about the encounter. “I was alone with him and we looked back at past years, the bad ones and the good ones and we talked about the future as we have so often done and, in the end, everything was decided on that day.”

Clearly, with his future decided for 2013, life is more straightforward for the man whose entire F1 career has been powered by Ferrari engines. However, Felipe explained that he had been in good shape, even before the final decision, because of the improved performance he has shown on the track recently. “Mentally, I am much happier and calm, because I believe good results bring other good elements and that helps create other positives. In the end, I don’t think the car had changed that much but it’s also true that before August, I also had good races but something happened that meant I could not finish in the positions I should have done. From then on, we have managed to put together good races, both in terms of pace and because nothing went wrong in those races. So I am much happier and more motivated now. It’s been good for me and of course, it’s also good for the team.

There’s a bit of a feeling that I would like the season to go on longer now that things are going better, but it’s been a long season for everyone! There are four races to go, then a break which I think everyone needs and after that I am already looking forward to next season, which I hope will be a good one from start to finish.

“Why did Ferrari decide to extend my contract? You the press also know me well and know what I can do,” continued the Brazilian. “I am capable of doing a good job, knowing how to put together all aspects, from my driving, to the way I work with the team, the car, it’s set-up and so on and that way, I’ve been able to enjoy myself and win what I have won. I am sure if I do all that again then the results will come.”