Schumacher: "The first signs are positive"
Mugello, 24 January 2006 - The first of the drivers of the
drivers to take the microphone was the latest to join the
team, Felipe Massa. Naturally, he declared that he was enthusiastic
at making his debut with the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro during
such a prestigious occasion as the presentation of the new
single seater. In response to questions about his first impressions
of the 248 F1, Felipe revealed that: "the freezing temperatures
over the past few days have made it impossible to effect real
and proper tests. I have to say though, that the car is well
balanced. The new engine has already proved to be particularly
reliable and is surprisingly high performing". As to
the aims for the upcoming season, Massa wants to claim his
first podium place and maybe even a victory. He is keeping
his feet firmly on the ground, however, and has not forgotten
that the main objective is to collect as many points as possible
for the team. The sensation of heading in the right direction,
for the Brazilian, is testimony to the fact that, despite
the pressure of his status as the newcomer, Felipe is extremely
calm. He is also motivated and confident of doing well in
a team that he knows well having been a test driver since
2001. The driver himself has underlined how this experience
has been fundamental in his profession growth. Talking of
test drivers, the observations of Luca Badoer could not be
missed. Badoer stated that all his work over the last year
would bear fruit in the coming season. "This is also
because the new V8 will surely change as the season nears
so the races will be approached from the driver's point of
view. More emphasis will be placed on the human element, rendering
the new Formula 1 single seater more similar to a kart",
declared the driver from Veneto. Badoer went on to assure
the gathered press that he would be continuing in his role
as an official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro test driver, thus
ending speculation that he wanted to leave and take up a place
as an official driver in another team.
Closing the contribution of the drivers in the best of ways
was the eagerly awaited Michael Schumacher. He intervened
immediately after the declarations of President Luca di Montezemolo.
After opening by stating that he did not feel like a driver
close to retirement, the German then reflected on the new
car and stated that "it has already given positive results
in the little testing that it has been possible to carry out
here. Despite the fact that only a few laps were run, the
car seemed well balanced and enjoyable to drive even though
it is less powerful". "Certainly, we will have to
wait until the race to see how the strategies are modified",
he replied to an English journalist querying the effect of
the new set up and the new regulations. "Sticking to
talking of the rules", continued Schumacher, "I
believe that Bridgestone have worked very well on the tyres.
This is not only due to the fact that tyre changes have returned
(and from a certain point of view this is a benefit) but that
the structure of the mixtures have changed from the problematic
ones of last year, especially in qualifying. As to the engine,
many have asked me how it will change the style of driving
with a V8. It is a question to which I always answer in the
same way: that there will not be such a big difference. It
is like going back to the levels of power we had ten years
ago. What I think will alter radically is the race strategy
and not the style of driving". To conclude, he spoke
of his relationship with his new partner and the fact that
Valentino Rossi could test at Valencia shortly. Michael revealed
that he had a good feeling with Massa, a driver he feels is
one of the most talented youngsters on the circuit. However,
he did not appear too interested in the cause of the Moto
GP world champion as he was exclusively focused on the season
to come.
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