Massa: It’s the results that count

A succinct two word answer was Felipe’s opening comment in today’s regular meeting with the press, as the F1 world reassembled after the break in a warm and sunny Spa paddock, when he was asked if he could look forward to a good second half of the year.

“Why not?” he fired back. “Last year’s second part was good and this year, in the first half, the pace wasn’t bad, much better than last year in general. However, in some races, I didn’t get the points I should have done, but I’m confident for what is to come.”

The Brazilian was next asked if all the gossip about his future after the end of this year was unsettling, the question itself adding to the gossip! “It goes in here and goes out here,” he replied, pointing first at one ear and then at the next. “My situation last year was worse than this year and much more complicated,” he elaborated. “Whereas this year, the performance was there in almost all races, even if, for various reasons – exploding tyres, spinning in qualifying and starting last - the expected final result didn’t come. Without those incidents and others, the championship situation would be different now. Now I just need to put everything together and be more consistent and not have any of these problems. If I do that, then I think I have a good chance of staying here at Ferrari.”

However, ever the realist, the Brazilian did not hide the fact that his desire to stay with the Prancing Horse did not rule out looking at other options. “You always have to be aware of what is going on and what might happen in the future. I have always said that I would be happy to race for a team that wants me to be part of it and I will always do my best to find a team that wants me. In the end though, it’s always the results that count.”

As for the more immediate future and the Belgian Grand Prix, Felipe was keen for the track action to get underway. “I am confident for this weekend, because for me and I think for many drivers, Spa is a favourite track,” he concluded. “I have had good races here, almost always in fact and so I hope I can have another competitive weekend, with the car working well at this track.”