Formula One news

Massa holds out hope for race

Felipe Massa is holding out hope of pulling off a surprise in tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix after qualifying in third place at Monza, half a second off Alonso's leading pace. Some speculation in the paddock suggests Ferrari gave up on chasing pole in order to fuel its cars longer and have an optimal race strategy, but Massa wasn't giving anything away after the session.

"We'll see tomorrow about the strategy and for sure McLaren is very quick here," said Massa. "I try to make my lap which was reasonable, but missing a bit to be with the McLarens. It's good to be top three and start at the front and hopefully tomorrow we can cause a surprise. The race is long and it's important to start at the front but for sure today McLaren is in front."

After a dominant performance in Turkey Massa was asked why the tables had turned with McLaren so dramatically in just a fortnight.

"The track is very important - sometimes we saw we were competitive at some tracks and others McLaren was better," he added. " Until now, McLaren looks very strong and we have to have a big hope that in the race tomorrow our car can be very competitive."

more news

• 08 Sep.
  • Alonso is best driver in F1 - Brawn
• 07 Sep.
  • McLaren to appeal Hamilton penalty
  • Ferrari boss responds to Hamilton penalty
  • Hamilton penalty hands Massa victory
  • Heidfeld gamble pays off for BMW
  • Glock given 25-second penalty
  • Red Bulls upstaged by Toro Rossos
  • Double points-finish moves Toro Rosso up
  • Renault encouraged by Alonso's fourth
  • Force India happy to get both cars to flag
  • Disappointing day for Williams
  • Pointless day drops Honda to ninth
  • Glock makes point for Toyota
  • Hamilton - Kimi pushed me wide
  • Massa happy with second
  • Hamilton and Raikkonen under investigation
  • Hamilton wins thrilling Belgian Grand Prix
  • Photos: Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Heidfeld confident of new BMW deal
  • Dennis hints Hamilton may be light
• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans
• 05 Sep.
  • McLaren pleased with first day
  • Raikkonen crash hinders Ferrari preparations
  • Renault lifted by Alonso's pace

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