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Massa 'is a great challenger' - Alonso
Fernando Alonso has said that he doesn't think there are many drivers quicker than his Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa.
Massa endured a difficult 2010 season in Alonso's shadow, famously being asked to move over for the Spaniard when leading the German Grand Prix. This year is seen as a crucial one for Massa, but Alonso said he liked having him as a team-mate.
"Felipe is a great challenger for me," Alonso told Welt. "I don't think there are many drivers who are faster than him. After all, when he crossed the line in Brazil in 2008, he was the world champion for a few seconds, so he has to prove to no one how fast and talented he is."
Alonso is seen by many as the number one driver in the Ferrari team, but technical director Aldo Costa said he wants to see Massa keep up with the double world champion this season.
"I hope so, because we need two strong drivers," Costa told Corriere dello Sport. "But we are only going to find out now that the races are starting."
Costa also defended the new Pirelli tyres, which have come in for criticism from many drivers for their high rate of degradation.
"Let's be frank, Pirelli only started work in August and in six months developed safe tyres."

