Massa still aims for the podium with Ferrari

Present today in Sao Paulo for a press conference to officially launch the partnership between Ferrari and Petropolis Group, through its energy drink TNT, Felipe Massa shared his ambitions for 2012 on the official Maranello team site: « I am an optimist and I think positively. Everything starts from scratch with different cars. My intention is to step out of the car at the end of each race, happy to have done everything in my power. »

During the winter tests, the F2012 did not inspire the greatest confidence in the Formula One observers and fans of the Italian team, who see the specter of another disappointing season for the Rossa. While Pat Fry and Fernando Alonso seem to have given up on podium finishes for the start of the season, and Maranello has already sounded the alarm, Felipe Massa remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances to turn things around: « It is true that each year we do less testing, so it becomes more difficult to assess the situation among the different teams. Last year, we were doing very well during testing, then Melbourne came, and we found ourselves a second off the pole position. I won’t hide the fact that we are not 100% satisfied with what we have done during these three weeks of testing in Spain, and I would have preferred to be a bit faster. We have an entirely new car, and we still need to learn things about it and unlock its full potential. I have a very strong team, and I have a lot of hope in its ability to develop the chassis during the season. »

Like many observers and players in the paddock, the Paulista is waiting for Melbourne to draw the first conclusions about the state of the forces present, even if he already has a small idea about the potential hierarchy: « The fact is we won’t discover the truth until Australia when we are all in the same conditions: little fuel in the tank and with the softest tires on the car. There are certainly teams that look very strong like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, while Lotus seems very fast to me. Then there’s a group that’s tightened up and should be competitive within a few tenths with Sauber, Toro Rosso, and Force India. Nevertheless, I still think we can fight for the podium: it’s the only thought driving me. But we have to wait a few more days to have the answer. »

However, we have to go back to the 2010 South Korean Grand Prix to find the last time the Ferrari driver stood on a Formula One podium. Climbing onto one of the top three steps in 2012 would therefore allow him to do better than in 2011.