Massa Insists Ferrari Should Push to Improve Qualifying

Ferrari will come to Spain with a hugely-revised package, as the F10 model will debut at least 3 new major “features” this weekend. Inboard mirrors, an own-developed version of the F-duct system and an improved engine should give the Italian team some advantage over its rivals, along with other aerodynamic devices prepared for the race in Barcelona.

Talking about his expectations for the upcoming race, which will mark the beginning of the European season of F1 this year, Felipe Massa echoed his teammate Fernando Alonso's comments a few weeks back, by urging his team to improve the qualifying capabilities of the F10. Needless to say, Ferrari can match anybody in the field in the race, but they felt short on challenging the Red Bulls for pole position in all of the first 4 races.

“We have said already this season that one key area where we need to improve is in qualifying and I hope the updates we are bringing to this race will help in that respect, because in simple terms if you improve the car's performance, then qualifying should go better,” admitted Massa in a preview of the race, on Ferrari's website.

He emphasized that the updates will have to help the two Ferrari-ans score impressive lap times in qualifying, as grid position is usually crucial in races such as the Spanish GP or Monaco GP, where overtaking is like an eclipse: it rarely happens but when it does, it's always special (smiley face).

'We will have to wait and see, because at both of the next two races, Spain and Monaco, overtaking is very difficult, so qualifying can really shape your Sunday afternoon performance,” added the Brazilian driver.

The Spanish Grand Prix will kick off on Friday, with the first practice session scheduled to take place at 10 AM, local time.