Schumacher: Massa used up all jokers

Ferrari`s Felipe Massa cannot afford to make any more mistakes if he wants to win the Formula One world title in 2008, that is the view of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

“He (Massa) has zero points for the season, so it is not the best of starts … he has played his jokers so far, and doesn`t really have any more jokers to play,” Schumacher told Reuters in an interview on a visit to Brussels on Wednesday.

“But things will turn around very quickly I think in his favour. He is certainly still very capable of winning the championship this year.”

McLaren`s Lewis Hamilton leads the drivers` championship with 14 points, three clear of world champion Kimi Raikkonen and BMW Sauber`s Nick Heidfeld. Massa has yet to score.

“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,” said Schumacher.

The German, who has acted as a mentor to the Brazilian in the past, said that Bahrain could offer Massa the confidence he needs to move on from his spin in Sepang.

“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 alongside Raikkonen.

“We have two great drivers, the best available in terms of the package,” di Montezemolo 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    ▪ www.autosport.com