Formula One news

Massa unfazed by Raikkonen

Felipe Massa claims he is unperturbed by the arrival of his new Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen despite many tipping the Finn for the drivers' championship ahead of the Brazilian.

Massa was fastest over the first two days of last week's Barcelona test whereas Raikkonen is disadvantaged in that he will not be able to test for his new team until next year.

"It would have been better if Kimi was here to test, but he'll good learn quickly because he's quick," Massa told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He's strong, but I feel like I'm in a good position myself, ready to go all the way: I'm definitely not afraid of him.

"Knowing the people you are going to work with gives you an advantage, but if you arrive and manage to feel good in the car and it has no problems you can immediately have a good season.

The 25-year-old also says he feels more settled at the Maranello-based outfit after his first season racing for the team, where he secured third position in the drivers' championship and notched up two wins.

"Twelve months ago I had just a one-year contract, everyone was sure my time would be over quickly. On the contrary, I'm still here, I have a contract, I've won some races, and I'm more at ease and... ready for the next challenge."

more news

• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit
• 26 Dec. '08
  • Montezemolo says KERS introduction is a mistake
• 25 Dec. '08
  • Season's greetings from GPUpdate.net
• 24 Dec. '08
  • Massa against proposed pay cut
  • Ferrari undecided over Schumacher future
  • Karthikeyan not interested in joining Force India
  • Mosley: Finding a successor won't be easy
  • Ecclestone won't split teams - Howett
  • Mosley may still try to continue
• 23 Dec. '08
  • WSR team Draco teams up with Force India
  • Howett: Ecclestone not able to split FOTA
  • Toyota committed to Formula 1

Homepage