Massa braced for Raikkonen tussle
Felipe Massa is determined to take the lead for the Italian team next season
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Tuesday, 24, Oct 2006 08:48
Brazilian Felipe Massa, fresh from victory in his home grand prix, has announced his determination to establish himself as number one driver for Ferrari next season.
McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen is to take the seat of retiring legend Michael Schumacher, but Massa insists that he will not continue to play second fiddle as he has to the German.
"Up to now, I have been the second driver at Ferrari. Now, this will change. Schumacher, who is a genius of the sport, has retired and it's time to fight for the first place," he said.
"To have a year's experience with Ferrari helps a lot, but the most important thing is to win early in the season and that's what I will do," Massa added.
Raikkonen was runner-up in the drivers' championship last season and has nine career wins to his name compared to Massa's two.
But the 25-year-old was buoyed by his weekend win, saying that Sunday's victory on his home circuit of Interlagos was his proudest moment in the sport.
"I've achieved the goal of my life at Interlagos. There is no bigger emotion than winning at home," he said.
"To win the world championship is one goal and that would be marvellous, but winning the Brazilian GP was my dream."