There are less than two weeks to go until the Formula 1 World Championship gets back on track, but Felipe Massa could not resist the temptation of getting back behind the wheel, especially as it was on his beloved Interlagos circuit. The opportunity arose with the fourth round of the Copa Fiat, the name given this year to what was known as the Trofeo Linea. The Scuderia driver was quickest in both free practice sessions held yesterday and he was able to assess the updates introduced on the cars, especially on the engine front, the suspension and aerodynamics.
“A great job has been done and the car is much improved, more stable and easier to drive,” said Felipe. “These characteristics are a great help to drivers who, like me, come from single-seaters.
“Having one set of tyres more than the others helped me (Massa was entitled to this as a guest driver, Ed’s note) but I was not expecting to be quicker than excellent and experienced drivers like Christian Fittipaldi, Cacà Bueno and André Bragantini, who are leading the championship. I will enjoy the races as a spectator only and it will be a lot of fun!”
Felipe set a fastest time of 1.51.411 in the first session, over eight tenths quicker than Cesinha Bonilha (1.52.257) and over a second faster than Andre Bragantini (1.52.510.) In the second session, held in hotter conditions, Felipe did not improve (1.52.005) but still got the better of Bragantini (1.52.306) and Caca Bueno (1.52.410.)