Montezemolo: Massa not under pressure

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says Brazilian driver Felipe Massa in not under pressure despite his poor start to the 2008 season.

Massa has retired from both the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix - from second in the second race - and speculation has already suggested the Brazilian`s seat could be in danger despite having two years of his contract left.

But di Montezemolo has moved to quash all rumours, saying Ferrari have the best driver line-up in the world.

“Felipe Massa is absolutely not under any scrutiny,” di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport. “In fact, we at Ferrari have the best driver pairing in the world.

“I expect a great race from Felipe in Bahrain, after his wonderful qualifying session in Malaysia.”

Di Montezemolo said he expected Ferrari to bounce back in Malaysia following their dismal weekend in Australia, where both cars retired.

“I expected that, and I`m convinced we have an exceptional team and a competitive car,” he added. “This is not a competition between singles and married people: it will be a big challenge because the greatest car manufacturers in the world are in it.

“I`m very confident, also because I know there is a nice development program for the car.”

31.3.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ www.autosport.com

Montezemolo: Massa not under pressure

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says Brazilian driver Felipe Massa in not under pressure despite his poor start to the 2008 season.

Massa has retired from both the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix - from second in the second race - and speculation has already suggested the Brazilian`s seat could be in danger despite having two years of his contract left.

But di Montezemolo has moved to quash all rumours, saying Ferrari have the best driver line-up in the world.

“Felipe Massa is absolutely not under any scrutiny,” di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport. “In fact, we at Ferrari have the best driver pairing in the world.

“I expect a great race from Felipe in Bahrain, after his wonderful qualifying session in Malaysia.”

Di Montezemolo said he expected Ferrari to bounce back in Malaysia following their dismal weekend in Australia, where both cars retired.

“I expected that, and I`m convinced we have an exceptional team and a competitive car,” he added. “This is not a competition between singles and married people: it will be a big challenge because the greatest car manufacturers in the world are in it.

“I`m very confident, also because I know there is a nice development program for the car.”

31.3.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Massa    ▪ www.autosport.com