Translated Q&A with Massa:
Q: Please tell the truth, how many times have you seen the last lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix on television ?
Massa: ''Just one time, the day after with my family.''
Q: And what went through your mind ?
Massa: ''I thought that it had to end like that, that there was nothing I could do. There's no point in talking about bad luck: we knew a miracle would have been needed, it didn't happen. You don't win a championship in the final corner of the final race. You win it during the season.''
Q: Then when did you lose it ?
Massa: ''On various occasions: Malaysia, England, Hungary, Singapore.''
Q: You remember it well.
Massa: ''Whether you believe it or not, after the race at Interlagos I only mulled it over for a few hours, perhaps a day. And that was it, end of the story. I'm not someone that looks back. I've won in front of my homecrowd, I've conquered pole position and set the fastest lap, I've given my utmost but I wasn't lucky enough in the final 15 seconds. That's life. I've lost in the best way, after a fantastic season in which I've matured and gained more experience.''
Q: The mistakes that must not be repeated ?
Massa: ''No mistake should be repeated. I've made a mistake, a mechanic during the pitstop in Singapore has made a mistake, the engine in Hungary has made a mistake by failing three laps before the end.''
Q: Has there been something (special) that has helped you getting over the title loss ?
Massa: ''The affection of the people. Being cheered for gives you energy and adds to your motivation. I will never forget the applause from the crowd in San Paolo.''
Q: What do you make of the 2009 cars ?
Massa: ''A lot changes. In terms of aerodynamics we've gone backwards by ten years. The slick tyres, on the other hand are fun: the problem is though, that they wear out quickly and the car becomes instable, especially at the rear end.''
Q: Summing-up the situation: will you be coping well ?
Massa: ''Before entering Formula 1 I've already driven cars with these characteristics. On the whole - considering my driving style, I don't dislike the new things in 2009. But then it's clear: the more grip there is the more fun a driver has.''
Q: You've been testing at Jerez and at the new Portimao circuit, impressions ?
Massa: ''They're relative to the situation. As I said: we're doing well with new tyres. But this is not the Ferrari of next year: it's an F2008 we've 'destroyed' the aerodynamics of in order to simulate what is awaiting us, without working on the weight balance. We're obviously only talking about a hybrid car here: the new car will be better, eventhough it will be much uglier with a big front wing and a small one at the rear. However, Formula 1 is no beauty contest.''
Q: Will KERS be revolutionary ?
Massa: ''Nothing changes in case everyone's equipped with it.''
Q: It seemed to be the remedy to the boredom, do these extra 80 bhp for 7 seconds not favour more overtaking ?
Massa: ''No, because my opponent will be in the same conditions. I expect more from the slicks and the aerodynamics: it will become easier to come close to the car in front without losing stability.''
Q: When the regulations change the objective (usually) is to stir up the pecking order. The one that now is furthest progressed for next year may be beyond reach...
Massa: ''That risk is there and I don't exclude surprises but it's too early to talk about it. From the test on the 19th of January onwards we will begin to get some indications.''
Q: With regard to testing: it will no longer be allowed during the season. Will you be having holiday in between Grand Prix' ?
Massa: ''Us drivers will spend less time at the trackside and we will be closer to the team, being in contact with the technicians.''
Q: So you'll be working less. Has a cut in wages been proposed ?
Massa: ''It's a delicate matter. In a competitive sport like ours a driver has a fundamental role and can make the difference. Provided that you have a good car.''
Q: Would you've gone racing with a standard engine ?
Massa: ''It would have been the negation of Formula 1, it seems normal to me that the constructors have refused to have one. It's true that the need to cut the costs is there, but what's the point of doing away with the competition ? Each team should have its own chassis and engine.''
Q: What do you say to Honda withdrawing from the sport ?
Massa: ''A nasty blow. I like having important rivals, it hurts losing one. At the moment there's a general crisis, especially in the automotive industry: if F1 reduces its costs now then new teams will come when the economy starts to grow again.''
Q: Ecclestone would like to reward the first three finishers of a race with medals.
Massa: ''Yes, it's an interesting idea. We'll see. I know what you're willing to say: with this system I would have been worldchampion now. But it's a reasoning that doesn't stand because at the beginning of a year we know what the points system is and it's this we comply with.''
Q: Is there a strong point from Hamilton you would 'steal' from him ?
Massa: ''I like how I am. Lewis is fast and aggresive, which is what I am too I think. These two qualities are fundamental: you need to have them inside of you because you can't learn them. With experience you can only become more consistent and intelligent.''
Q: Do you not even envy him a little bit for his sensibility when driving in the wet ?
Massa: ''Listen, at Monaco it rained at the start and I pulled out a 15 second lead. In Brasil it rained and I won the race. In lower formulae I've won a whole lot of races in terrible weather conditions. You're either good in the wet or you're not. If Silverstone is regarded as a disaster then the reasons for that must be sought elsewhere.''
Q: Is Hamilton perhaps more of a personality ?
Massa: ''He is because he's become worldchampion.''
Q: For a year you've been asked about Alonso, whether he'll come to Ferrari, whether he'll take Raikkonen's spot, or yours. Are you up for it ?
Massa: ''Absolutely. In 2006 I was asked about Valentino Rossi, in 2007 everyone was certain I would be fired, the same goes for the start of 2008. I'm used to this and it doesn't bother me.''
Q: Perhaps you can clarify a mistery: how come Raikkonen has been able to win the title in his first year at Ferrari while this year you've basically always had the better of him ?
Massa: ''I've had a good season in 2007 also. I was often quicker than him in qualifying and in Monza I was still ahead of him in the standings. It could be that this year he hasn't improved as much as I did.''
Q: Hamilton is the number 1 at McLaren, Alonso is Renault's number one.
Massa: ''Kimi and I will start on par.''
Q: Who will first test the new car on track ?
Massa: ''We don't know yet.''
Q: Finishing second, in the championship how much do you owe to Schumacher ?
Massa: ''Michael always gives good advice when he's in the pitbox, especially on strategies, eventhough the decision-taking is up to those that drive. Above all he's friend. We often call each other. After the season we've met up again and have both raced in a kart race.''
Q: Let's try and imagine the front two rows of the Australian Grand Prix.
Massa: ''It's early for a prediction...''
Q: Come one, it's only a game.
Massa: ''Hamilton, Raikkonen, Alonso. And me somewhere in between. Then BMW Sauber and Red Bull.''
Q: Fellow countryman with an illustrious name - Bruno Senna - could be making his debut. What do you think of him ?
Massa: ''I know Honda was enthusiastic about him, I hope that he in any case will have a change to show he's fast. He has a lack of experience because as a boy he hasn't been racing karts, but in F3 and GP2 he's managed himself well.''
Q: And what about Mirko Bortolotti who's been testing an F2008 at Fiorano lately ?
Massa: ''I wish him to become a good driver.''
Q: That's what you wish for him ? But he's taken away your fastest lap round the track...
Massa: ''Wait a minute, that wasn't the right record. There's been little testing at Fiorano: at the beginning of the season with wet tyres and then the shakedowns before the Grand Prix': 50 km without pushing. The guy has been driving in the 0:59's whereas the limit is at 0:57. Just to point out, because it would be wrong to put too much pressure on him.''
Q: A personal wish for 2009 ?
Massa: ''I would like to have a baby. But my wife is holding back.''
Q: Is she ?
Massa: ''Yes. And she's right: for me it's easy, I'm always underway, it would be up to her to raise the child. We'll wait a little.''
Q: What would be a sacrifice you'd be willing to accept ?
Massa: ''I wouldn't know.''
Q: Say slimming down: you're engineers would be happy with that.
Massa: ''Certainly, in that way they could add more ballast to balance the car. Unfortunately there's no hope: I weigh less than 60 kg, I couldn't lose more weight.''
