Consistency is key to the title - Massa

F1 Grand Prix, GP Singapore, Marina Bay Street Circuit

At a time when drivers would usually consider heading back from the race track to the hotel, Felipe Massa settled down to meet the media here at the Marina Bay paddock, as even the Thursday of the Singapore GP runs to a night time schedule.

The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver did not have a definite answer to the first question, about which of the remaining five races would best suit the F10. “We need to analyse the situation race by race and it’s important to be as consistent as possible,” began the Brazilian. “But it is extremely difficult to predict which of the coming races will be good for us and which will be harder for us to do well.”

On the specific subject of this weekend, Massa is looking forward to the unique challenge of the night time street track. “I like this circuit and I did a great qualifying here in 2008, six tenths quicker than second place, so I hope I can be very strong here again this year. What is important is that we have new things on the car here at a track which is very similar to Monaco in terms of being a place where the more downforce you can apply, the better it is. I think we will be competitive.”

With the two title races still so open, who might win is dominating talk in the paddock. “Mathematically, I can still win the championship, even if it looks difficult, but that does not change my attitude to each race, where my aim is always the same, namely to try and win,” was Felipe’s take on the situation. “That is the best attitude to have, not just for me, but also for the team. I think whoever is more consistent in these remaining races will be champion, because if you look at the points situation and the fact that who is quickest at each race often seems to depend on the track characteristics, then finishing regularly in the top places is the key.” Despite the fact that Singapore is in the tropics, rain has not been a feature of the past two races here, but this week, there have been plenty of heavy showers. “Rain on a track like this would certainly be a concern,” admitted Felipe. “When it rains in Monaco, also a street circuit, you never know what can happen: the race and even qualifying can be a lottery and that would be the same situation on this circuit. We have not had rain here when we have been on track, so the important thing is to be ready for any eventuality.”