Massa rues hard tyre problems

Felipe Massa said the Ferrari was impossible on hard tyres in the Spanish Grand Prix, but that it was a gearbox problem that eventually stopped him

Geoff Creighton Matt Beer May 22, 2011, 3:17 PM

The Brazilian fell down the order as the race progressed, had a spin along the way, and was only set for 10th being parking in the gearbox in the closing stages.

"Actually the biggest problem in the race was when we fitted the hard tyres," Massa told television crews.

"It was very difficult to drive the car on the hard tyres - basically no grip - and I think we lost a lot compared to the other teams.

"Then I had a problem with the gearbox so I lost the gears. I tried again and then I lost the gears, so it was not possible to carry on."

As he believes the tyres were at the root of his difficulties today, Massa is optimistic that he can be in better shape when different compounds are used in Monaco next weekend.

"It's not a long time, not even one week," he said. "We have different tyres, so maybe we can get a good direction to use soft and super soft there.

"We are looking forward to being in good shape in Monaco compared to here."