However, nobody seems to consider the second Ferrari driver for the world title – as he'll be driving the same car this year – Felipe Massa. The Brazilian has seldom been on anyone's lips when talking about the title equation lately, yet Alonso rates him as one of the fastest drivers in the paddock.
“Felipe is a great challenger for me,” said the double world champion in a recent interview with the Welt newspaper. “I don't think there are many drivers who are faster than him. After all, when he crossed the line in Brazil in 2008, he was the world champion for a few seconds, so he has to prove to no one how fast and talented he is.”
Following his impressive campaign in 2008, the Brazilian has struggled in the Ferrari cockpit in back-to-back campaigns in 2009 and 2010, but seems to have now found a new rhythm with Pirelli returning to the sport with different tires.
Ferrari's technical director Aldo Costa insisted that Massa's poor run in the last couple of seasons – he hasn't won a race since the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix – did not automatically triggered a number 2 status within the Maranello organization. On the contrary, the Ferrari-an insisted Massa should up his game soon in order to bring the Scuderia back where it belongs, on top of the constructors' classification.
“We need two strong drivers. But we are only going to find out now that the races are starting,” said Costa, according to Corriere dello Sport.
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