Asked if he expects Raikkonen to step in and play the lieutenant role in the closing stages of the 2008 season, Massa settled for expressing hope that Ferrari will be in good shape for a winning result at Shanghai.
“I think it is too early to think about the strategy. For sure I expect Kimi to be in good shape, which is very good for the fight for the championship. I think we both have a good car, which helps. So I think that is the only way that I am thinking now. To try to be very competitive – Kimi as well. And if we are in the front then things can be much better”, said Massa at the press conference.
Apart from Kimi's help, Massa is also expected to benefit from the other drivers' support in the upcoming races, with Fernando Alonso on top of the list. The two-time world champion previously admitted that he would prefer it if Massa won the championship rather than former teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Brazilian argued that this is the result of mutual respect between drivers and not about likes and dislikes within the paddock.
“I always respect other drivers, and I always respect everyone who is racing against me. I think that is the way I am. That is the way I do my job. I think when you are in F1 you can never underestimate your competitors because everyone knows what they are doing, everybody is very strong and everyone won everything before coming to F1. So, that is why I think respect is the most important thing for the other drivers”.
Last year, Massa had to settle for 3rd place overall in China, after Ferrari teammate Raikkonen and then-McLaren's Fernando Alonso. He then managed another podium performance in Brazil - 2nd place – and outscored Hamilton by 12 points in the same 2 last races of the season (Shanghai and Interlagos). Whether he could pull that again, it's only up to him and Ferrari.
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