After the announcement of the end of his collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari, following the Italian Grand Prix in September, Felipe Massa has consistently expressed his desire to remain in the top racing discipline. It is now confirmed as the Williams team has just announced that he will team up with Valtteri Bottas for the 2014 season.<\/p>\n
The Brazilian will therefore replace Pastor Maldonado, who is leaving, and will be tied to the Grove team for several years, without the precise duration of the contract being disclosed, as is customary.<\/p>\n
In a press release, Williams F1 highlights the selflessness and experience of the Paulista: \u00ab We are very pleased to be able to confirm our line-up for 2014 and to welcome Felipe to the Williams family. He is an exceptional talent and a true fighter on the track; he also brings with him a wealth of experience as we begin a new chapter in our history. \u00bb<\/p>\n
Felipe Massa, for his part, is keen to highlight his arrival at a prestigious team: \u00ab Williams is one of the most important and successful teams of all time in Formula 1. When I was a child, I always dreamed of racing for Williams, Ferrari, or McLaren, and I am happy to sign with another sports icon after my stint with Ferrari. It is also good to remember that the best Brazilian drivers have raced for Williams and have forged a strong national bond with the team. \u00bb Massa will join the ranks of the auriverde drivers who have taken a seat in the British team’s car, including Nelson Piquet, world champion in 1987 with Williams, as well as Ayrton Senna, Antonio Pizzonia, Rubens Barrichello, and Bruno Senna.<\/p>\n
With a major regulatory change in 2014, I hope that my experience will be useful in helping the team in its efforts to navigate this difficult period. Since the beginning of my career, I don’t recall seeing so many new rules in a single season, and I am fully prepared to work with everyone at Grove to move in the right direction. The 2008 vice-champion added: I am very motivated to begin working hard from the start of what will be an exciting new challenge in my career.<\/p>\n
Claire Williams, deputy director of Williams, believes that the arrival of Felipe Massa will be the catalyst for the team’s return to the forefront: Felipe has demonstrated his talent and speed for years, as well as his ability to help, motivate, and lead a team to success in the championship, and we are extremely happy that he is joining us as we embark on our 2014 campaign. This announcement is a crucial step forward towards our goal of bringing Williams back to the front of the grid.<\/p>\n
A new era is opening for Williams: \u00ab The stability that comes with having both our drivers for several years, Mercedes as an engine supplier, and a strong commercial base will all contribute to the future successes of the Williams F1 team. \u00bb<\/p>\n