Thursday, July 3, 2008

Britain preview quotes: Ferrari

Felipe Massa: "Having spent a few days at home after Silverstone testing, I am now preparing to head back to England for the British Grand Prix and the chance to face our closest rivals on their home circuit in front of their home crowd. Although I have to say, I have always noticed that Ferrari seems to be very popular with the crowds here.

"I like Silverstone which has been a good circuit for me, but I hope I don't have to have such a tough race as I did last year: I had a problem in qualifying, started from the back and had to work my way all through the field to finish fifth in the end. Last to fifth was not bad, but I would prefer to start from the front and stay there, rather than have to fight my way through the field. In fact, an F1 magazine has just done a survey that shows I did more overtaking than any other driver in F1 last year. In fact, I think I am right in saying that I was also the guy with the most overtaking moves in 2007.

"This year, I think that is also the case, especially if you look at how many cars I passed in Canada. That is part of my driving style, which is a bit aggressive. It's not so easy and to be honest I would prefer not to do any overtaking because I am in the lead, so this statistic can be seen as a negative as it means I need to overtake. We tested some new components and trying new things on set up and mechanical improvements. I was quite happy with it.

"Although I like the fast and flowing nature of this circuit, apart from the final section, last year's fifth place was a repeat of my finishing position in 2006 and they are my best results at this event, so there is plenty of potential to finally do something better this time.

"I am sure we will be competitive in the race. At last week's test, we tried some new components and assessed new things on set up and made some mechanical improvements. I was quite happy with the balance of the F2008, so it's looking good. But we must never underestimate our competitors because they are working very hard and it's all very close. I think in France, we never really saw the pace of the McLarens as they were always stuck in traffic, having started behind. So we cannot say we were so much stronger than them in Magny-Cours.

"Silverstone can throw up a few surprises and even if we don't have typical English rain, there can still be strong side winds even in warm dry weather and this means you have to be careful as the wind can catch you out and destabilise the car through some of the quick sections. But this is the same for everyone, so there is no reason to think I cannot have another good race weekend and finally make it onto the Silverstone podium on Sunday."

Kimi Raikkonen: "I always like coming back to Silverstone. It's a great track and it has always been working out for me since the beginning of my career. I've raced the first time here when I was in Formula Renault and it was my preferred track: fast and demanding. Winning at Silverstone gives you a great feeling, because to get there you have to do everything perfectly.

"I did it with Formula Renault and last year with Ferrari. It's one of the fastest and most difficult tracks on the race calendar. I don't know why, but I'm a bit nostalgic every time I come back. I like being here whatever the weather is like. At least that's the same for everybody.

"We've done some tests here last week. There was lots of wind and it was quite difficult to test all the new parts we brought with us. But I think that we've taken a small step ahead and it seems to me that the car is very competitive.

"Last year it went very well for us at Silverstone and obviously I'd like to repeat that result! I made a small mistake in Qualifying, when I took the last corner too wide and I lost the Pole Position, but once we had considered the fuel on board I was still faster than Hamilton. Then with the empty track ahead I could give it all and win the race.

"As far as we can tell after our tests last week there will be a tough fight between us and McLaren. That's not a surprise because traditionally these two teams always went well here in England. It will be about tenths of a second again. We'll fight for Pole Position and this time we need to use the track to our advantage.

"I'll give it all to stay ahead in Qualifying. Starting from the Pole does make the race much easier, as we could see at Magny-Cours. I didn't win there, but I've already archived the disappointment. I'll arrive with a positive approach at Silverstone, because I know that I should have won in France. I'll use a new engine because the Team doesn't want to risk anything, although the rules say that you will not be punished if you have to change the engine.

"It's almost half way through the season now and there were ups and downs. That's quite normal and we are in a good position to fight for the title. I hope to win more races in the second half of the season, because we have a great car, able to fight for victory everywhere."



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