19/08/2012
NEWS STORY
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No doubt as tired of the (over) long summer break as the rest of us, Felipe Massa was glad to get back behind the wheel at Interlagos yesterday, albeit it in a 1.4litre 16v turbo Fiat Linea.
Previously known as the Trofeo Linea, the the Copa Fiat series was founded by Massa and his family in 2010 and is organized in collaboration with the Confederacao Brasileira de Automobilismo (CBA), RM Racing Events and Carlinhos Romagnolli Promocoes e Eventos. This weekend's event at Interlagos marks the fourth round of the 2012 season.
Quickest in both free practice sessions, the Brazilian, who will sit out today's race, was delighted with the changes made to the cars this year. "A great job has been done and the car is much improved, more stable and easier to drive," said Massa. "These characteristics are a great help to drivers who, like me, come from single-seaters."
The series, which uses Pirelli as its sole tyre supplier, has seen changes to the engine, suspension and aerodynamics this season.
"Today, having one set of tyres more than the others helped me, he continued, the F1 star benefiting from the fact that his a guest driver this weekend, "but I was not expecting to be quicker than excellent and experienced drivers like Christian Fittipaldi, Caca Bueno and Andre Bragantini, who are leading the championship. Tomorrow, I will enjoy the races as a spectator and it will be a lot of fun!"