• Ferrari news

Massa will always be a No. 1 - Ferrari

ESPNF1 Staff
October 6, 2010 « McLaren puts faith in 'big test package' at Suzuka | »
Luca di Montezemolo insists there are no favourites at Ferrari © Getty Images
Enlarge

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has insisted Felipe Massa is and always will be a No. 1 driver at his team.

Earlier this week Massa warned he was not happy to play second fiddle to Fernando Alonso in 2011 after di Motezemolo said the "decision to focus on Alonso [this season] has been proven to be right". But having talked to both his drivers by telephone ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, di Montezemolo insisted he does not consider Massa as a No. 2 at the team.

"Felipe is and will always stay a No. 1 driver for Ferrari," he told the Ferrari website. "I expect the performances of a No. 1 driver from him - both in the next four races and, with different tyres, next year. Those will be crucial to bring us wins next season and to take important points from our opponents in the battle for this world championship."

He said he also expecting the maximum from Alonso in the final four races.

"Fernando sounded very focused and determined, just like the whole team," he added. "It's an important time and I'm sure that everyone will give everything they have in order to achieve our objectives."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close