Top of the list was di Montezemolo, the man who often issued hints of pressure towards the 30-year old Brazilian for his lack of results in the all-red race suit in the past few years. It was not time for warnings on Monday however, as the Italian president stresses just how much he appreciates Massa as a driver and person.
“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.”
“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,” added team principal Stefano Domenicali.
Fernando Alonso, 29 himself and on his way to celebrating his 30th birthday later this year, also sent Massa his best and wished him a winning car – which would suit him as well – in the 2011 campaign.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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