Bahrain: Massa Optimistic for Race


By Jamie Makin
March 29 2005

Felipe Massa has yet to score any championship points for team SAUBER PETRONAS this season, but has come away from each of the first two races feeling that the C24 had he potential to score if better luck had come his way.

Massa carries high hopes to the desert circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain for this weekend's grand prix.

"Bahrain is a bit cooler and less humid than Sepang, and last year it was similar to most other races in that respect. It’s a nice circuit, with a few quick corners, but there are also a lot of slow and medium-speed bends so we need full downforce," Massa explained. "I like driving there, because there are a couple of places where you can pass. It’s not easy, but you can do it, especially if you get a good tow. Bahrain itself is also an exciting place." Last year the Brazilian started 13th in the circuit's inaugural event but was only able to advance to 12th place with his poor-handling C23. He will look to improve on that result this year.

"Last year we hadn’t fully sorted the C23 by that stage so the race was not one of our better ones, but I am optimistic that the C24, on Michelins, should suit the circuit well," Massa said.

Felipe Massa - Results for Bahrain GP:

YEAR QUAL RACE COMMENTS
2004 13 12 -