Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has backed his and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali's decision to retain Felipe Massa for the 2013 season, explaining that the Brazilian and team-mate Fernando Alonso create the perfect balance at the team.
After a relatively slow start to the season, Massa improved greatly and was able to consistently challenge Alonso during the final few rounds of the year.
"The Brazilian improved a great deal in the second half: in fact in the first part, it seemed he’d gone on a round the world holiday," di Montezemolo said at Ferrari's Christmas lunch with Italian media. "Joking apart, I think the decision to reconfirm his position was the right one: if we had changed, then one would need to take on someone who would make a difference and I can’t say I noticed many drivers around who would be quicker than Felipe.
"Also, we did not want to change the balance and the good atmosphere. Domenicali and I told ourselves it was best to wait and I think that the facts proved us right. Towards the end, when Felipe was even faster than Fernando a couple of times, his points played a vital part in securing our place in the Constructors’ championship."
Alonso and Massa will be entering a fourth season as Ferrari team-mates in 2013.
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| Stefano Domenicali | |||
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| Fernando Alonso | |||
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| Felipe Massa | |||
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| Luca di Montezemolo | |||
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