Massa relishes testing as opposed to simulator driving
3 May, 2012
Felipe Massa at Mugello
May.3 (Apex) The last time F1 drivers and teams enjoyed in season testing was back in 2008, but this week the teams were out pounding around the Mugello circuit for the fourth official test of the year and one driver relishing the change was Felipe Massa.
Massa, after completing 106 laps at the wheel of the Ferrari F2012 said, “Testing is always important for a driver, because you learn a lot of things to do with the handling of the car: it’s not enough to stay in the simulator which, as it’s name implies, only simulates, so for us, driving on the actual tarmac is essential.”
The Brazilian, who is under growing pressure to raise his game, is no stranger to Mugello where he spent many hours testing when restrictions were not in place. He commented, “I really enjoyed driving here at Mugello again as it is a sensational track. It was here that I did my first race in Europe when I was a kid and also my first test in an F1 car, after which came many more with Ferrari.”
“It’s true this track is very different to the ones we usually race on, although there are similarities to some, such as Barcelona, before they had made the modification to the chicane in the third sector, or to the Silverstone track,” added Massa who has only two points to his name this season after four races.
Subbed by AJN.
Related posts:
- Massa: I am confident about the work we have done in these past few weeks
- Mugello Day 1: Ferrari report
- Massa: I ask for a car that I like driving
- Simulator work for Massa ahead of Bahrain
- First post accident F1 test for Massa
