Luca di Montezemolo: Massa resurgence important for Ferrari in 2013
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo believes Felipe Massa's resurgence in the second half of 2012 could have a significant impact on the team's 2013 ambitions
After floundering in the early parts of 2012, Massa scored points in all of the last 10 grands prix, helping Ferrari to secure second in the constructors' championship.
He also played a part in the drivers' championship, notably at Austin where, after outqualifying Alonso, he took a penalty to ensure the Spaniard started on the clean side of the grid.
Di Montezemolo hailed Massa's resurgence during Ferrari's Christmas celebrations, adding that it could also stand Ferrari in good shape next season.
"I don't know where you went in the first part of the year," di Montezemolo said to Massa, "but I am very pleased you came back.
"It meant we were able to finish ahead of major teams in the constructors' classification, but it is also important for next year."
Massa, who admitted the long-running uncertainty over his Ferrari future played a part in his poor early form, said his revival was good preparation for next year.
"This has been a very difficult year for me, especially at the start, when we couldn't find the right way to move forward with our car," he admitted.
"The second part was very different: I was more competitive and I managed to get back to the way I was before.
"Now I am more motivated than ever: the second part of the season was like a training session for next year."
Di Montezemolo added that it was imperative for Ferrari to be competitive from the first race next year, saying: "Fernando had an extraordinary season and I am sorry not to have given him a car that was quick as well as reliable.
"In 2013 the aim, not just for me but for all of you, is to immediately have a car that's capable of winning.
"We must all do a little bit more to achieve that, but without losing any of the plus points we demonstrated this year, starting with reliability.
"We can be pleased with the improvements we have made on the strategy front, at the pit stops and in our race preparation and we must maintain these strong points next year."
Previous article
Lewis Hamilton will surprise Nico Rosberg in 2013 - Jenson Button
Next article
New team struggles not bad for F1 - Graeme Lowdon
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Felipe Massa |
| Teams | Ferrari |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
