Massa is doing a fine job, says Schumacher

Massa, currently fifth in the drivers' standings, was urged a month ago by Schumacher to raise his game and help the German in his bid to win the world championship against reigning champion and current points leader Fernando Alonso.

Since then, Brazilian Massa finished in front of Alonso for the first time this year at the United States Grand Prix, and the gap between the Spaniard and Schumacher has decreased from 23 to 17 points.

"Many people make the error of comparing what Massa is doing with what Barrichello and Irvine were able to do when they had already been at Ferrari for a long time," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"What I mean to say is that you need to allow people time to learn. I think Felipe is doing a fine job and you can't expect someone to just jump inside a car and beat everyone immediately."

Schumacher also took a chance to reply to Alonso, who reportedly told the Spanish media he can't benefit from any help and has to race alone, while the German can take advantage of Massa's work.

"If I'm not mistaken Alonso didn't seem so isolated at the Spanish Grand Prix," responded Schumacher, referring to Giancarlo Fisichella who held second place behind the Spaniard in the first stint of the Barcelona race. "So, in the end, the situation evens out.

"Anyway, to beat Renault we must count only on our means, on two strong cars."

Asked how the season is developing, Schumacher said: "We've made a big step forward without a doubt, even though we can't say we have an advantage over our rivals.

"What chances I have at the German GP? I hope a lot. I'll just say that there are no problems."

The forthcoming German Grand Prix will be held at Hockenheim on July 30th.