Massa: The podium ? An extra motivation for the remaining races

One of the main points of interest for the media in Suzuka on Sunday night, was Felipe Massa’s return to the podium after a long absence. Four days later, the Ferrari man’s second place was still a hot topic when he met the press in the Korea International Circuit paddock.

“I think it was a great feeling and it was a very important result for me and for the team,” began the Brazilian. “I am always at the races to fight for wins and podiums, not just to drive the car, even if I do enjoy that, so to be back in Japan, after such a long time was really nice and the podium has given me happiness, which is important, but more importantly, even extra motivation for the remaining races. If you look at the championship from the start to the summer break and then from after the break until now, there is a very big difference, like two different championships and this second part has been so much better that I feel much more confident and I also think it is important for my future. Before Suzuka, I had many other races where I was on the pace and had a good race, but something happened that meant I did not end with the right result. After the summer break, I don’t feel anything actually changed, but I had a bit more luck, while before, maybe I would be heading for a podium finish, but then something would happen which meant I didn’t make it.”

Felipe pointed out he did not see the results only in terms of his future at the Scuderia. “Getting good results is not important for me only in terms of my future,” he maintained. “I don’t sit in the car thinking I have to do well for my future. I don’t care about it from that point of view, but I have been a racing driver all my life and when I sit in the cockpit I just want to do my best every time. The race results are what matter to me and I will fight for the win whatever the situation. However, I feel everything is going in the right direction.” Asked if he had got some special insights about himself during the toughest part of the year, the Brazilian replied felt it was not that simple. “I wouldn’t say I learned anything new about myself, it’s just that when things are going well you of course feel happier,” he maintained. “Sometimes, when things are not going in the right direction, everything seems to get worse and events happen that you don’t understand. Once it all falls into place then everything gets better – the way you drive and the way you work.”

A final question about Korean food did not quite produce the expected answer from the Ferrari man, quizzed as to what he had eaten last night for example. “I’m sorry, but I can’t say much about that,” apologised Felipe. “I arrived at my hotel here at around midnight, after a four hour drive from Seoul and just had a quick pizza before going straight to bed!”