31/07/2008
NEWS STORY
"We're heading for the Hungarian GP and we've got the possibility to make up for the disappointment at Hockenheim, where our performance wasn't up to our expectations," writes Felipe Massa in his pre-Hungary blog for Ferrari.
"We suffered a lot during that weekend, but now, after the four days of testing at Jerez - where I was on the track on the last day - I think we understand the problems we had in Germany, although I don't want to get into detail. Let's say that I'm quite confident that we'll have a very different performance of the F2008 in the next races. Obviously the German GP was really disappointing, but at least we managed to gain some points, which is very important for the Championship, while things at the top remain open. It would be better to be ahead than four points behind, but I'm sure that the next races will go well for us.
"At Jerez we also worked on some improvements of the car. That means that we worked on finding out what had gone wrong in Germany, but took also a step ahead. We worked a lot on the set up, also for races like the one in Singapore, where there will be lower temperatures, because it's a night race. We left Jerez with lots of data, which will help us on the short and on the long term.
"Just like the track at Monte Carlo, also the Hungaroring needs a maximum of aerodynamical downforce, while we're using the Bridgestone soft and supersoft tyres: with this configuration things went well at the Monaco GP, where we were very competitive. This is another reason to be confident. Although I prefer fast tracks, I like the one in Budapest: I've never reached the podium, but I was always really strong.
"Over the last days I relaxed at home in Monaco. Before that I spent a day testing at Jerez and another one at the simulator at the FIAT R&D centre, where we worked with the race at Valencia in sight, which will be held at the end of August. To get to know a new track, especially the corners, is always an interesting experience and I have to say that the track seems to be very demanding. There are many important breaks and changes of direction in the slow corners, but also very fast straights. I think it will be an interesting race and it was useful to drive a couple of laps on the simulator: it can be useful at least to get an idea of what we expect on Friday morning on the first day of Free Practice. I don't use the simulator very often, although I work in its development with the technicians. Usually I'm working at the CRF with Marc Gené and Andrea Bertolini, who are a big help for the Team.
"But before Valencia there's Budapest: with all the experience from Jerez I can't wait to race again."