Massa Angry at Tyres, Not Villeneuve

Massa was struggling with excessive rear tyre wear in the closing stages of the race as the pair were caught up in a train of cars behind Giancarlo Fisichella.

As the pack jostled for position, Villeneuve made a dive down the inside of Massa at Ste. Devote but braked too late and speared off into the wall - forcing Massa to take avoiding action and go down the escape road.

But rather than lambast Villeneuve for the over-optimistic move, Massa claimed he was more upset with his rear tyre wear - and believed his teammate would have got past him if he had been more patient.

"I did my job, but unfortunately we finished the tyres," said Massa on ITV. "Every car seemed to be having problems, especially me and Giancarlo Fisichella.

"Then I had the problem with Jacques. I think he tried at the wrong moment and if he had waited a bit he could have overtaken me a bit after. He could see my tyres were bad and it was just the wrong moment."

When asked whether he was angry with Villeneuve for the move, Massa responded: "I am angry with the tyres, because I knew the end of the race would have been difficult for me."