Massa: we must work to improve still further

Felipe Massa was one of five drivers in the FIA press conference at the Hungaroring circuit this afternoon; all of them invited because of a specific link to this Grand Prix. Some were past winners, others had made their debut at this track but the somewhat macabre reason in the Ferrari man’s case was that he suffered a terrible accident here in 2009. The Brazilian admitted this had not been a particularly successful venue for him. “In 2007, I had to start from the back, after problems in qualifying,” he recalled. “Then in 2008, I was leading with three laps to go until I had an engine failure and in 2009 came my accident. In fact last year, when I finished fourth was my best result, so this year I hope a podium will be possible and of course I will be fighting for the win.”

The podium is definitely more likely than earlier in the year. “The last two races have been okay for us and I have been able to fight at the front,” said Felipe. “They were also two good races in terms of the fights I had and now we must work to improve still further.” As for racing at the Hungaroring just a few days after the Nurburgring event, Felipe felt it was no problem for the drivers. “It is not too demanding,” he said. “Anyway, this last back-to-back is the best one as we know we have a long break coming. However, for the team personnel, it is always tough as they have not had any time off since the last race.”

Asked why his team-mate had achieved better results so far this season, Felipe was his usual blunt self. “Because Fernando has done a better job than me and I have no problem saying that. But I am working on improving, looking at car set-up and other aspects of overall performance. I am pushing hard on this all the time.”

There was an amusing moment at the end of the conference, when the drivers were asked how soon they were leaving Budapest after the race, to start their summer holidays. “I am going back to Brazil for a short while, began Felipe. Even though it’s winter and not so warm, home is always home.” Then, to the specific question as to his time schedule, he said he was leaving on Sunday night, except that everyone in the room thought he said Saturday night! “No, that would not be so good,” laughed the Scuderia Ferrari driver. “It would remind me too much of where I was on Saturday night two years ago here…”