Formula One news

Massa vows to tackle Schumacher

Felipe Massa is not daunted by the prospect of moving from one world champion to another next year. This year, at Sauber, the 24-year-old's closest rival was 1997 title winner Jacques Villeneuve. For the most part, the young Brazilian showed the French Canadian the way.

2006, however, will be an entirely different kettle of fish for the diminutive driver. Felipe's teammate at Ferrari is the most successful grand prix pilot of all time, Michael Schumacher.

Incredibly, he's not worried. "Schumacher is obviously a great, great driver," he told the 'Sport1' publication, "but I believe I am now at a level on which I can compete with him. I am absolutely convinced of my abilities. I always try to put up a fair match for my teammate.

"When I drove karts it was my dream to drive in formula one," Massa added, "and now I will drive with Schumacher for Ferrari -- it's a great feeling."

One thing Massa's countryman Rubens Barrichello will tell him, though, is to get ready for the challenge of effectively being 'number two' to his new German cohort.

Sunday's Brazilian grand prix will at least get him used to the pressure. "I am going to have quite a lot of pressure at home," Sao Paulo-born Massa said on Monday, "but it'll get me used to the sort of pressure I can expect all the time at Ferrari."

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• 19 Nov.
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  • Vettel finishes test on top
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  • Senna enjoys warm welcome in paddock
  • Di Grassi enjoyed Honda opportunity
  • Photos: Wednesday in Barcelona
• 18 Nov.
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  • Vettel fastest on day 2
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  • Hamilton joins side event Race of Champions
  • De la Rosa joins Force India in Barcelona
  • Photos: Tuesday in Barcelona
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  • Renault happy with first day back
• 17 Nov.
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  • Loeb impressed with Barcelona test
  • Sato fastest on first day in Barcelona
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  • Canadian Grand Prix officially axed
  • The 2009 season gets under way in Barcelona
  • Photos: Monday in Barcelona
• 16 Nov.
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  • Rampf hoped for more in second half of season
• 15 Nov.
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  • Williams extends key sponsor deal
• 14 Nov.
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• 13 Nov.
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• 12 Nov.
  • Van der Garde to test Renault F1
  • Montezemolo critical of KERS

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