Post-shakedown Q&A with Felipe Massa

The Brazilian driver shook down the car in foggy conditions, under the watchful eyes of current teammate Kimi Raikkonen and former teammate Michael Schumacher.

At the end of the day, an optimistic Massa told reporters about his experience in the new car.

Q. So, what is your verdict? Is the F2007 better or worse than the 248 F1?

Felipe Massa: "Bearing in mind that with a single tyre some performance should be lost, everything suggests that the F2007 is already better than the 248 F1, and I'm convinced of it, even if at the moment any comparison would be premature.

"So, besides the fog and the track being not in its best conditions, I'm really very pleased about this first shakedown.

"The gearbox is good; the engine works better and gives you more with these aerodynamics; the longer wheelbase provides better stability; the front suspension is excellent for changing direction and turning in.

"As for the stretched out seating position: I have to say I didn't even notice it, so nothing has changed for me."

Q. so there were no problems at all?

Massa: "Well, it would have been impossible not to have those little quirks that always come up in days like this - for example temperatures rising, some hopping, and sixth gear getting stuck for electronics reasons. These things happen, but they are just quirks of no importance."

Q. Michael Schumacher attended the shakedown. What did he tell you?

Massa: "Nothing in particular, he couldn't really tell me 'well done' on a day like this, where I didn't do anything special.

"Every time I got back to the pits he would ask me for information and impressions on the car based on the telemetry he was looking at, and then he would start talking to the technicians. By now he's one of them..."

Q. Did you also chat with Kimi Raikkonen?

Massa: "Yes, but just a bit. There will be more time to exchange impressions and suggestions, to study and analyse together every situation of the car. We are still on the first day of school.

"I must confess I felt more excitement last year: this time I felt proud for the car's debut being up to me with the whole world watching. But I hope to have the best excitement during the championship and at the end of the year."

Q. What is the most important news coming out of this debut for you?

Massa: "The feeling that this car is faster than the 248 F1 we had at the end of last year. The base is undoubtedly excellent, and this first day of work allows us to move on, with no particular problems, with that fundamental work in order to face much harder tests next week at Mugello.

"We have plenty of work to do and to improve, but the start has been positive, without a doubt."