Schumacher backs struggling Massa

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Michael Schumacher believes Ferrari`s Felipe Massa can still win the drivers` championship despite his poor start to the Formula One season.

The former world champion says Massa, who has yet to score a point, can get back to winning ways this weekend in Bahrain, where he won last year.

He said: “It`s not the best of starts, but things will turn around very quickly I think in his favour.

“He is certainly still very capable of winning the championship this year.”

The 26-year-old retired from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and then spun into the gravel after starting on pole position at the last round in Malaysia.

Lewis Hamilton leads the standings with 14 points, three clear of Ferrari`s world champion Kimi Raikkonen and BMW Sauber`s Nick Heidfeld, but Schumacher, who is now a Ferrari adviser, thinks Massa will soon start to catch up.

He said: “Massa is very focused, knows what is going on and what he has to do. Pressure is normal in our world and I am certain he knows how to deal with it.

“He was quickest in Malaysia, and you must be very good to do this, and he was a little unfortunate later on.

“He was very strong in Bahrain last time, so there is no reason why he cannot do it again and win impressively.”

Massa`s slow start to the season has increased speculation about his future with the Italian team, despite still having two years left on his contract.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo this week refuted suggestions that Renault`s double world champion Fernando Alonso was being lined up to replace Massa as Raikkonen`s team-mate.

“We have two great drivers, the best available in terms of the package,” Schumacher said.

“If Massa wins the championship at the end of the year, nobody will care or remember about the start of the season.

2.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Massa, Schumacher    ▪ news.bbc.co.uk