F1: Massa Charges After Team Penalizes Him

Formula 1

F1: Massa Charges After Team Penalizes Him

Felipe Massa gained seven positions in the United States GP...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted November 18, 2012 Austin, TX

Felipe Massa ran stellar at Austin. (Photo: Getty Images)

Felipe Massa enjoyed his best race of the season in Austin, charging up to fourth after starting 11th.

The Brazilian admitted he initially wasn’t happy with the Ferrari team’s decision that dropped him down from his original starting position of sixth, but said he accepted it for the team.

“For me, this result is a bit like a win, definitely the best race of my season,” he said. “Now I can say I’m happy to have started 11th! This morning, when I was told I was dropping five places, I can’t say I was jumping for joy, but I accepted it to help the team and my teammate (Fernando Alonso). I don’t think many drivers would have done the same, but I am an honest person and will always do my utmost for my team.

“At the start, I made up three places, but then I ran wide and lost a few. After that, I had a strong pace and also pulled off some passing moves at various points on the track: once I even got two cars at the same time. We did the best we could have done today; I don’t think I could have fought (Sebastian) Vettel or (Lewis) Hamilton.

“I really enjoyed driving on this track; it is great fun and the atmosphere is very nice. It’s probably not going to be my favorite circuit of all, but it is one of the ones I like.”

Massa is looking forward to his home race in Brazil: “It would be nice to end the season on the podium, or even with a win. What’s certain is that I will do everything I can to help the team reach its targets. Today, maybe I could have finished ahead of Fernando, but I’m well aware of the championship situation, and I do what is right for Ferrari, as I’ve done throughout my career.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.

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