Felipe Massa Q&A
Like fellow rookie Takuma Sato Sauber's Felipe Massa finds himself looking for a job at the end of his first year, having been replaced by Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Some sources suggest that Massa could test for Sauber next year and return to racing the year after, when presumably the team will have more confidence in him. However, he could yet land on his feet. He's on Toyota's shopping list, and Eddie Jordan likes his 'take no prisoners' approach. Adam Cooper spoke to him at Spa, where his race ended with a spectacular engine failure
"It was the first time this year! We never had an engine problem before. It was a shame, but that's life."
"No, I think it was our set-up. It was completely wrong during the week. But in the race we improved a lot, and we had a very good car for the race. But it was too late. I was fighting a lot in the race, and it was quite good in the beginning. Also later I was behind McNish, and it was difficult to overtake him. But I overtook him in the pits, and I was quick after that. It was a good race and I could have been eighth or ninth."
"For me for sure it was disappointing. I was surprised with his decision. I think I have done a good job this year, and a lot of people also thought that I've done a good job. But I'm young, and I think we will find a solution."
"I don't know what's going to happen."
"I think what I have to improve is the qualifying. You have to find the right moment, and you have just four laps to do your time. You have to have a good car balance, and you can be unlucky with traffic and everything. So it's not easy."
"Yes, he's a good guy, and a very good driver, and I learned a lot with him."
"Yes, I think it's is a little bit harder. I think to drive the car is easier than you expect, but overall it's a little bit harder than the other categories."
"I didn't have a lot of time to test in the winter, but I think it was time enough to get some experience. I think I've improved in all the tests and all the races, and I think I will improve much more in the future."
"I don't know, I never drove there with an F1 until the next test [this week]. I hope to find a better balance for Monza."
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