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Massa did well last season at Monza and this season in China (as long as the engine kept going) in the rain.Quote:
Originally Posted by fousto
He also did well back in 2003 (I think) in the US GP on a wet track.
Just because he had a poor race in Silverstone in 2008 it doesn't mean it's always like that, look at Alonso in Japan 2007 he hit the wall and Raikkonen last season as Spa did the same.
Massa was supreme and has been performing like a real top ace this year. It's quite extraordinary that a driver of his age and experience still keeps improving every year. Every season it's said that now "this is his level, these are his weaknesses" and some have added he'll never become a champ or whatever. :p : But it looks like there is no stopping him. His race pace has been downplayed in the past, but now he has no trouble in matching or beating Räikkönen's race pace, regardless of the circuit. Besides that - no inconsistencies occur in Massa's performances from race-to-race.
Alonso would be a perfect benchmark for the new improved Massa - if Felipe beats the driver, who many consider as the most complete one on the grid, FM will establish himself as one of the true greats on the grid. Kimi as a benchmark has been beaten, a new and stronger one is needed for a new judgement. :p :
Alas it looks like the 'battle' for P3 in WCC is over - it will be an easy walk for Ferrari.
His best wet weather performance was Brazil 2008, easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by ioan
Massa didn't/hasn't displaced Kimi. if Kimi goes, it's due to many things, not Felipe.Quote:
Originally Posted by fousto
I dont know, when the #2 driver starts regulary beating the #1 driver the way Massa has for the last 14 months or so, it starts getting into your head.Quote:
Originally Posted by DexDexter
Crap comparisons.Quote:
Originally Posted by ioan
Massa span off 7 times at Silverstone who was going nowhere except backwards which is amateur stuff compared to Alonso who was trying to keep up with Hamilton; even Raikkonen had a good excuse because he desperately wanted to win at Spa and being on the limit means your more vunerable to mistakes.
Oh and before calling me a Massa-hater (again) I completely agree with Jens. I'm constantly amazed how Massa is like good wine, improving better with age.
He spun 5 times at Silverstone last year not 7 and Hamilton spun 4 times this year. It happens to the best of them on occaison.Quote:
Originally Posted by wedge
Massa is a pleasant surprise. When they announced he was replacing Barrichello I was rather nonplussed. Fast forward 3 seasons and I'm looking forward to a Massa/Alonso lineup. Raikkonen has been a flash in the pan. He'll always have the respect of being a Ferrari world champion but his time at Maranello will end on a disappointing note. Sad really because he could be so bloody fast at times.
I think - in fairness to Massa, the Silverstone thing was more car setup than poor driving. As we saw with Lewis this year in the rain - if the aero stalls - round and round you go......Quote:
Originally Posted by wedge
Indeed, think of all those times he started from the back of the grid due to engine failure in qually/practice and he made his way to the front to win....Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkmoon
But the difference between GBR'08 and CHN '09 is that Hamilton was at least reasonably quick and faster than his team-mate, when he wasn't spinning. And despite spins he still finished 6th. But Massa was just plain slow besides spins and finished a lap behind everyone! Hamilton's drive was far better. I am personally not finding any excuses to that Silverstone'08 - it was an extremely **** drive by all accounts, even Yoong could have fared better.