Alonso right for Ferrari, says Massa
Massa has sorted out his differences with Alonso and he believes he can learn a lot from the Spaniard
Friday, 15, Jan 2010 12:38
By Adam Leveridge
Felipe Massa believes Fernando Alonso is the right person for Ferrari and he is sure he can learn a lot from the Spaniard.
Massa's freak and life-threatening accident during qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix, where he was struck in the head by a loose spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn, curtailed his 2009 season as the severity of his injuries forced him to pull out of championship.
However, the Ferrari driver made a remarkable recovery and was discharged from hospital in Budapest just a week later and continued his recuperation at his home in Sao Paulo.
This week, the Brazilian made his first appearance with his new racing partner Fernando Alonso at Ferrari's traditional Wroom ski event in Madonna di Campiglio, where he told reporters of his delight at having a double world champion as his team-mate.
"During my career I've always had extraordinary team-mates," said Massa.
"This is what enabled me to learn and to improve, because you can learn a lot from a different driving style, from the way he sets up the car, how he goes into corners and how he brakes.
"I'm sure that we'll work together very well because this will help us both and also the team regarding the car's development.
"Naturally we'll both fight to stay ahead because that's our sport. Fernando is an extremely talented driver and I'll try to help him with my experience in Ferrari."
Although Massa and Alonso have had their differences in the past, Massa said he has a good relationship with the Spaniard - even hinting at a better one than with former team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.
"[Alonso and I] had a discussion in 2007 after the Nürburgring race because he accused me of unsporting behaviour: we cleared that, he apologised and that was it," said Massa.
"Although I've always worked very well with Kimi I've spoken more to Fernando over the last three days than with him in three years."