France preview quotes: Ferrari

"The last two races were a disappointment, caused by different problems. But I know that Ferrari has taken a great leap forward on this track compared to last year. It's a shame that the points we were able to gain do not reflect our real potential, but I think that we'll be very competitive on the upcoming street tracks at Valencia and Singapore.

"Now we're heading back to Europe to tracks, which have been built to be used by racing cars. I think that things will look really different at Magny-Cours, compared to the last GPs. The smooth surface of the French track, its demanding corners and the quick changes of direction will underline the characteristics of the F2008.It was here in France last year that my season practically started all over again; and this is what I need now, after the two races with no points.
I like this track and I think that it's perfect for our car. I think we'll be competitive and that we can go for the maximum result.

"All the races are important and one point can make the difference, like in 2007. This year will be an equally balanced Championship and that's the reason why you always need to bring home something.Kubica is leading the standings and, apart from the first race, has always collected some points. Hamilton will start further back, due to the penalty. But you should never underestimate McLaren: we have to give our best to keep them behind. We'll bring some new technology and here the Team is giving its best, but that is what also our competitors do.

"Over the last days I had the possibility to chill out a bit, although I took part in some marketing events. It was great to spend some time by the sea with my best friends and I could also watch some football matches: I don't have a preferred team but I really like to watch a good match!"

Felipe Massa: "I am flying from Sao Paolo where have I been since the Canadian Grand Prix to Europe and the last thing I did before heading for the airport to fly to France is watching the France - Italy game in Euro 2008. I have enjoyed watching a few of the games while I have been here with my family. As for the actual championship, I would be happy if Portugal wins, but I think Holland has a great team.

"As usual when I come here I have a quiet time with family and friends. When I go out in Sao Paolo, I am recognised wherever I go, but that is not a bad thing, because the people here are really nice and give me my personal space. Okay, if I go in a really public place like a shopping mall or to a football game, it can get a bit difficult, but in normal restaurants or other places I go, I never have any problem. People come and ask me for an autograph or to have their picture taken with me and that's really nice.

"I was not at the last test that Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro carried out in Barcelona last week, but of course I was in touch with my engineers to find out how things had gone and the results seem reasonably positive. We had three good days there and that means I am expecting to have a really competitive car for Magny-Cours.

"It is a nice track that usually suits the characteristics of our car. In recent years, people would say that Canada and Monaco suited McLaren better than Ferrari, while it was the other way round in France and Britain, but I don't think that is really the case this year, as apart from any other factors, we have to consider the BMW team in this equation.

"This year in Monaco Ferrari had the whole front row of the grid, even though I think we had more fuel than McLaren and in Canada our race pace was very good too. In other races we have all been very close. But I hope we will be very competitive this weekend. I like Magny-Cours: I came second here last year, having started from pole, but then I lost a bit of time in traffic and I also came third in 2006. It's a good track for me. Let's hope we can repeat last year's one-two finish, but maybe in a different order!