Ferrari refute claims of friction between Alonso and Massa
Di Montezemolo insists there is no ill-feeling between Ferrari's drivers
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 21, Apr 2010 12:40
By Adam Leveridge
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo insists there is no animosity between Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, contrary to speculation in the media.
After the events of Sunday's Chinese grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC), where Alonso lunged up the inside of Massa as they entered the pitlane, there was much conjecture among the media that the pair's relationship was at breaking point.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, Di Montezemolo and his two drivers denied suggestions that there was friction within the Ferrari camp.
"There is no dispute between Alonso and Massa, they know well what they have to do and will continue doing it, because they know that they are racing for Ferrari and not for themselves," said Di Montezemolo.
Massa echoed Di Montezemolo's sentiments and said that a simple overtaking move wouldn't be enough to upset his relationship with Alonso.
"It happens quite often, there's always someone who wants to create some confusion," said Massa.
"The situation between me and Fernando is the one it always has been and an overtaking manoeuvre won't change it for sure.
"I already explained after the race what happened and I think it's useless doing it again, but obviously there's someone who doesn't want to understand.
"We both know very well what Ferrari wants from us drivers and what we have to do on the track."
Alonso said he finds the media's reaction to the passing manoeuvre surprising and that the whole incident has been blown out of proportion, insisting that any on-track duels "won't ruin the spirit of Ferrari".
"I'm surprised by what I've been told," said Alonso.
"I already said it in Shanghai: this episode is creating a stir just because it happened between two teammates.
"If the other car would have been green or grey, we'd all be celebrating this manoeuvre, but instead we're just losing time with polemics, where there is nothing to say.
"Felipe and I are racing and we know that the team's interest is the most important thing.
"We know how to behave and we've shown it on other occasions during these first races.
"It's definitely not the duels on the track, creating problems inside the team and I know this by experience.
"If someone wants to make a fuss, it definitely won't ruin the spirit of Ferrari."