• Japanese Grand Prix
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Podium exceeds expectations - Massa

ESPN Staff
October 7, 2012 « Webber slams 'nutcase' Grosjean | Kobayashi labels podium 'destiny' »
Felipe Massa: "Let's keep pushing hard to be on the podium more than every two years" © Sutton Images
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Felipe Massa said his podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix exceeded expectations and he is hoping to get back in the top three at every race for the remainder of the season.

Massa's second place finish was his first podium since the 2010 Korean Grand Prix and after starting tenth on the grid the Ferrari driver admitted it was a little unexpected.

"For sure the race was much better than what I expected and we did a good job," he said. "Unfortunately Fernando [Alonso] is not here fighting for the championship as well, but I'm very happy with my race and let's keep pushing hard to be on the podium more than every two years - every race now."

Massa, whose Ferrari seat is under threat for next year, added: "I'm sure this is very important for me, for my head, for motivation and also for my future."

Massa said he had strong pace from the start of the race and was able to exploit that to get ahead of Jenson Button and Kamui Kobayashi at the first pit stops.

"I was able to make a good start and be very careful in the first corner with the accident," he said. "Then the pace was very good from the car. Since the beginning of the race the pace was really good and when I was behind Jenson I was quicker than him. When I stopped to do the pit stop I was then 0.5s quicker a lap and I was able to push hard and overtake not only Jenson but also Kamui, who was very quick in front."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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