Sunday: Alonso and Ferrari limit the damage with a podium finish

Fernando Alonso – 3rd:

« It was an unexpected podium that came at the end of a particularly difficult weekend. We didn’t have the pace to compete with Red Bull and McLaren, so only losing three points to Vettel is actually a nice gift. It could have been much worse, but now we’re going to Sao Paulo in Brazil with a chance. Maybe on paper, this chance isn’t very high, maybe 25%, but deep down, I feel it’s much more than that. Anything can happen at Interlagos, and we’ve seen once again how important reliability is, haven’t we? Additionally, there’s a chance of rain, and a race in the rain can be risky, and we have nothing to lose. Clearly, if it’s dry and we have a normal race, we can expect to see the Red Bulls at the front and us on the third or fourth row, so the more factors of uncertainty, the better for me.

The decision regarding Felipe’s gearbox? It was a team decision that I am proud of, especially because it turned out to be the right one. The start was very good, as was the first corner: in the second part of the season, we gained many places in the first hundred meters, in fact. Then, I had enough pace to be on the podium but not to fight with the two in front. The pit stop wasn’t perfect, maybe for the first time this season: which means we will be looking for perfection in the pit stops next Sunday, and for the whole race, in fact! Felipe was fantastic throughout the weekend, faster than me in all three qualifying sessions: we need him to be in good form at Interlagos as well, because we will face strong opposition. We need to be a united team if we want to win!

Felipe Massa – 4th:

« For me, this result is a bit like a victory, clearly the best race of my season: now I can say I’m happy to have started 11th! This morning, when I was told I would drop back 5 places, I can’t say I jumped for joy, but I accepted to help the team and my teammate: I don’t think many drivers would have done the same, but I am an honest person and I will always do my best for the team.

At the start, I gained three places, but then I went wide and lost a few. After that, I had a good pace and made several overtakes in different parts of the circuit: I even managed to overtake two cars at the same time at one point. We did the best we could today: I don’t think I could have fought with Vettel or Hamilton. I really enjoyed driving on this circuit: there’s a good vibe and the atmosphere was pleasant. However, it won’t be my favorite circuit, but it’s one that I appreciate.

Now, we are going to Interlagos, my home race. It would be nice to end the season on the podium, or even with a victory. What is certain is that I will do everything I can to help the team achieve its goals: today, maybe I could have finished ahead of Fernando, but I am well aware of the situation in the championship, and I do what is right for Ferrari, as I have always done throughout my career.