Ferrari preview the Hungarian GP

FERRARI

Thursday 31st July 2008

Ferrari head to Hungary determined to bounce back from their recent disappointing run of form.

Felipe Massa: "We're heading for the Hungarian GP and we've got the possibility to make up for the disappointment at Hockenheim, where our performance wasn't up to our expectations. We suffered a lot during that weekend, but now, after the four days of testing at Jerez - where I was on the track on the last day - I think we understand the problems we had in Germany, although I don't want to get into detail. Let's say that I'm quite confident that we'll have a very different performance of the F2008 in the next races. Obviously the German GP was really disappointing, but at least we managed to gain some points, which is very important for the Championship, while things at the top remain open. It would be better to be ahead than four points behind, but I'm sure that the next races will go well for us.

"At Jerez we also worked on some improvements of the car. That means that we worked on finding out what had gone wrong in Germany, but took also a step ahead. We worked a lot on the set up, also for races like the one in Singapore, where there will be lower temperatures, because it's a night race. We left Jerez with lots of data, which will help us on the short and on the long term.

"Just like the track at Monte Carlo, also the Hungaroring needs a maximum of aerodynamical downforce, while we're using the Bridgestone soft and supersoft tyres: with this configuration things went well at the Monaco GP, where we were very competitive. This is another reason to be confident. Although I prefer fast tracks, I like the one in Budapest: I've never reached the podium, but I was always really strong.

"Over the last days I relaxed at home in Monaco. Before that I spent a day testing at Jerez and another one at the simulator at the FIAT R&D centre, where we worked with the race at Valencia in sight, which will be held at the end of August. To get to know a new track, especially the corners, is always an interesting experience and I have to say that the track seems to be very demanding. There are many important breaks and changes of direction in the slow corners, but also very fast straights. I think it will be an interesting race and it was useful to drive a couple of laps on the simulator: it can be useful at least to get an idea of what we expect on Friday morning on the first day of Free Practice. I don't use the simulator very often, although I work in its development with the technicians. Usually I'm working at the CRF with Marc Gene and Andrea Bertolini, who are a big help for the Team.

"But before Valencia there's Budapest: with all the experience from Jerez I can't wait to race again."

Kimi Raikkonen: "It's no secret that we're not satisfied by how the last five races went. I was particularly disappointed after the series Montreal-Magny-Cours-Silverstone: in each one of these races I had the possibility to win, but because of one thing or another things didn't go the right way and I lost. I never let myself be influenced by tension and I won't start now: I've just to keep my focus and continue to give as much as possible, race after race. That's what I've done every time I was in trouble.

"It's never pleasant to explain the reasons for loosing, especially for someone like me, who likes winning so much. The race at Hockenheim was the most difficult moment of the season. I was really frustrated and disappointed that I couldn't find the right balance of the car, but now we're in a much better position. We had a productive test at Jerez, especially on the second day. The Team has done some great work in the developement of the F2008 and I'm confident for Hungary. It's true that McLaren has improved a lot over the last two races, but we also know that the situation can change in the blink of an eye.

"I've won once in Hungary and I came in second twice. Two years ago I took the Pole, but due to the rain the race was very chaotic and starting from the front didn't help. This is one of those circuits where overtaking is really difficult, so a good Qualifying on Saturday can be decisive.

"It's still early to make any forecasts for the Championship, considering that the first three drivers are only seven points apart: the positions can change in a single race. It's useless to cry over spilled milk: we are looking ahead, with eight races to go and at the end we'll do the maths. We just passed the half-way point of the season, so it's important to always gain points. Excluding Hockenheim I was always in a position to win and I hope success will come soon.

"After Budapest there will be a short break. That's always good, because you can recharge your batteries for the last part of the season. After the tests at Jerez I went to Finland, where I enjoyed some wonderful days on a boat. Tomorrow is my fourth wedding anniversary with Jenni: I'll be in Hungary, hoping that I can celebrate a great victory on Sunday."