With a muchly improved race in China, it looks like Massa could be living up to the pre-season potential with the Pirelli tyres seemingly suiting him better. Turkey is next, and we know how good Massa has been there. After Melbourne I must say I had some doubts as to whether Felipe would ever win again, but I think it is possible after the last two races, if Ferrari can give him a good strategy. Seeing his angry reaction after China, I think the fire in his belly is burning hotter than it possibly has for a while, and I think one win could spark a good run of results. Of course, one of the most interesting parts of this will be to see the reaction of Alonso and Ferrari if Massa starts taking the lead.
Here are some comments from the Ferrari website for his birthday.
“Hi Felipe and all my very best birthday wishes! You have got there a few months before me as, in July it will be my turn to turn thirty, so you’ll be able to tell me if it’s something special to reach this age. Joking apart, I want to tell you that I’m happy to be alongside you at Ferrari: I think we make up a good duo, respecting one another and working well together, in the knowledge that the interests of the team come before those of the individual. Now I hope we will soon a have a car good enough to see us fight for the top places, after which it will be down to the two of us to try and win.”
“Dear Felipe, I wish you all the very best for your thirtieth birthday. It’s a special day for you and also for all of us: you have been part of our family for ten years now and I know that you now live and breathe Ferrari. Your talent and your good nature mean that each and everyone of us appreciates you as a driver, but even more so as a person. Enjoy this day with your lovely family knowing that we can expect the new few weeks to be crucial for our championship chances.”
“Dear friend, I send you a hug of affection for your thirtieth birthday, not just from me but from all the men and women at Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro. We have known one another for such a long time and we have shared great moments together as well as some dramatic times and through them all, we have always been united, which is what makes our relationship special. When you arrived in Maranello you were a kid and while here, you have become a man: we still have a long road to travel together and we hope it will be full of well deserved success. A present? All of us are working flat out on it at Maranello, without pausing for breath: you know what I’m talking about…”
Of course Alonso can't even resist some psychological games in a birthday message, which I suppose isn't a huge surprise. Maybe he will change his tune if Massa or another driver ever gets the upper hand over him at the team.
Stefano's message does sound quite genuine, but of course it's always hard to take these sort of comments at face value, considering much of it comes from their PR people.
Edited by ed24f1, 25 April 2011 - 15:00.