[bahrain41]

This is purely opinion but I think there is a 1 - 2 driver setup at Ferrari now. Massa has no answer to Alonso, Smedley seems to be talking him more around the track than Massa's driving and Ferrari are launching an investigation as to why he's so slow.

Now, it's not as serious as if Stefano had publicly given him a vote of confidence but it's looking a bit shaky for the likeable Brazilian.

Then add into the mix the harboured resentment by Massa over the Crashgate saga and the rumoured unrest and things look even more delicate.

What are the options for Ferrari and Massa.

1) Massa sorts himself out and gets back on the pace
2) Massa accepts number 2 status and becomes the new Rubins
3) Ferrari can him and get Kubica

Will be interesting to watch this over the season.

[elapicearpisp]

rumor the kube may already have given ferrari an option to be used before july this year

funny if ferrari had a better pit system at crashgate, massa is wdc


the investigation is a set up for him to fail and justify the kube, probably

[jstizzle]

Massa has had a much worse slump in 2008, pulled out of it and missed the WDC by one corner in Brazil. Having said that if he doesn't start performing soon he's toast.

Then add into the mix the harboured resentment by Massa over the Crashgate saga and the rumoured unrest and things look even more delicate

That so has nothing to do with his performance issues, his relationship with Fred, and the well being of the team.
He's outclassed, and out gunned by a highly motivated superior driver.
I like Massa but I'll support anyone Ferrari trot out there. If I had my druthers I would take Kubinski right now,
and I do believe Ferrari will probably bring in “The Kube” if he (Massa) continues with his current form.

[bribiaLaubysdggf]

One always wonders "Did the accident take the edge off"

[Symnunidanimb]

One always wonders "Did the accident take the edge off"

He matched Fernando right off the trailer, but in the past three races FA has asserted his dominance. It's not looking too good for the Brazilian at the moment, but I'm not ready to write him off yet. Things can change quickly.

[Opening-auto]

how idiots are you?2-3 racers only and we have a topic for who will replace him? worst behavior than schumi....

[jstizzle]

how idiots are you?

Scottish

Macbeth:
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.


Macbeth Act 5, scene 5, 24–28

[HonjUopu]

It looked like Massa could be actually more competitive in race trim, but like Button was alas held up by Schumacher and we never saw his potential pace.

But overall yeah - his position at Ferrari could be shaky and on current form it's not even impossible that he might share Heidfeld's fate in the driver market after the season.

[Byxtysaaqwuz]

It looked like Massa could be actually more competitive in race trim, but like Button was alas held up by Schumacher and we never saw his potential pace.

But overall yeah - his position at Ferrari could be shaky and on current form it's not even impossible that he might share Heidfeld's fate in the driver market after the season.

Yes, you are right. When considering which team he drive for, the probability is huge.

[GEAntonio]

I've always found the Massa/Smedley relationship a bit odd - but it seems to work for them, so who cares what I think.

The car seems twitchy and nervous, exactly what Massa dislikes, so perhaps with the mods due the car could come more to massa style. Here's hoping, he's one of the good guys.

[BGThomasis]

Massa will not be chopped mid season for sure. he has been ferrari's blue boy after MSC for a long time . I always think Massa will retire with ferrari at end of his f1 career 10-15-20 yrs from now

[GEAntonio]

Massa will not be chopped mid season for sure. he has been ferrari's blue boy after MSC for a long time . I always think Massa will retire with ferrari at end of his f1 career 10-15-20 yrs from now

errrm. Massa will be nearly 50 will he not?

[Byxtysaaqwuz]

True, Ferrari do have a habit of dumping under-performers.

Ha, ha, ha. A cheap one.

Lets see. Kimi managed one WDC and one WCC at his first year.

For now, what I see is only a little bit of Jensons "luck".

[BGThomasis]

errrm. Massa will be nearly 50 will he not?

quite possible looking at rubens and MSC. Rubens might still end up being in f1 for more 10 years and Massa like rubens is a brazilian.

Brazil is a big market for f1 and ferrari

[Byxtysaaqwuz]

quite possible looking at rubens and MSC. Rubens might still end up being in f1 for more 10 years and Massa like rubens is a brazilian.

Brazil is a big market for f1 and ferrari

You got it there. But things could be spoiled, think of Santander, if they offer a big bag with money they could sack poor Massa.

[GEAntonio]

quite possible looking at rubens and MSC. Rubens might still end up being in f1 for more 10 years and Massa like rubens is a brazilian.

Brazil is a big market for f1 and ferrari

50 and 40 is a big difference. I can't see Schu still being around in a decade, and I don't think anyone is suggesting Massa is the equal of MS.

[HonjUopu]

quite possible looking at rubens and MSC. Rubens might still end up being in f1 for more 10 years and Massa like rubens is a brazilian.

If Rubens Barrichello stays in F1 for 10 more years until the age of 48 I will seriously eat my hat... and maybe something more.

[standaman]

It looked like Massa could be actually more competitive in race trim, but like Button was alas held up by Schumacher and we never saw his potential pace.

Not to mention a broken front wing. But these are just details in the eyes of the bashers.

[standaman]

I've always found the Massa/Smedley relationship a bit odd - but it seems to work for them, so who cares what I think.

The car seems twitchy and nervous, exactly what Massa dislikes, so perhaps with the mods due the car could come more to massa style. Here's hoping, he's one of the good guys.

The car is lacking downforce and coupled with the harder tire they used for the last 4 races this means a general lack of grip.
Alonso can cope better with this situation however they both, and certainly the team, will benefit from added downforce if they are to have the slightest chance to winning any championship this season.

[BGThomasis]

we talk about Kubica. what has he done till now? expect for the 2008 canadian GP. which offcourse was due to the famous pit lane accident .