Massa: New rules will improve racing

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes that the re-introduction of slick tyres and low downforce regulations will improve the spectacle in Formula One next season.

The Brazilian ran on Bridgestone`s latest slick tyres in testing at Barcelona on Tuesday and said that the grip generated by the tyres put more emphasis back on driver skill.

“I tried them [slicks] yesterday and I enjoyed myself a lot,” he said. “But it won`t be exactly the same next season because many regulations will change regarding the car.

“However, I must say it was nice to get back to a car where you have incredible grip, so a driver must make big efforts. So I really enjoyed myself: slick tyres with such a good car are really enjoyable.”

Asked whether he thought the new regulations, which will also significantly reduce downforce levels in 2009, would allow for more a spectator-friendly sport, Massa replied: “In my opinion they will, because with the slicks it`s much nicer to drive, there`s a lot more grip.

“By taking off some aerodynamics it will perhaps be easier to overtake. And with the slick tyre, which gives you more mechanical grip and is what allows [you] to trail a car without losing aerodynamic load, it helps a lot and the spectacle should be even better.”

Massa also expressed his satisfaction at Ferrari`s new aero developments, which include a radical new nose cone and front wing.

“It looks like a shark: there`s the mouth, there`s everything, so I`d say it looks a lot like a shark,” he said. “I`d say, little-by-little we improved the car. This is an improvement: I wouldn`t say the car will go one second faster after this but with a little bit here and there we can go our way.

“I`m happy with the car, it`s very quick and consistent every time I used it yesterday and today.”

The Brazilian played down the significance of the new nose however, arguing that it was unlikely to bring significant gains in lap time.

“Nothing changes,” he said. “You gain a bit in aerodynamics, so there`s no advantage. There`s just the work we do in the wind tunnel, and a hole in the nose like that is similar to maybe bringing an extra winglet.”

16.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Massa    ▪ www.autosport.com