While many wondered if Ferrari's decision was the best – some even suggested that the deal signed by Massa included a No 2 role clause to Fernando Alonso – every high-ranked member of the Maranello organization insisted that Massa will come around in 2011. And as if those comments weren't enough, team principal Stefano Domenicali once again reiterated this belief.
In an interview for Italy's La Repubblica however, the Italian also hinted to the problems Massa had to face and that have influenced his form in recent years.
“That's partly a characteristic of where he comes from. In part, on the other hand, is the result of a bigger problem,” said Domenicali about the driver who was a top contender for the world title a few years back.
“Every driver, in order to race, must feel the strongest. When they don't manage to be the strongest, it's very hard to clear their heads from those excuses each of us creates when things go bad. I think this was the cause of Felipe's bad season, but he'll come out of it if he works on that. That's why I'm certain we'll see a great Massa in 2011.”
Of course, his comments could not have ended without a masked warning that should Massa have a 3rd consecutive poor season in the red race suit, he'll probably have to give it up by the end of the year.
“The driver knows full well that he can't afford another season like this,” added Domenicali.
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