Massa bids Ferrari farewell

Maranello, 14 December – It was a very special Christmas lunch for Felipe Massa, as he bid farewell to the Scuderia with which he has shared over ten years of his racing and personal life, having enjoyed a close link to this team and so many of its people over the years.

“We started together so many years ago and I want to thank all of you, mechanics, engineers, everyone who works at the track and behind the scenes in Maranello,” said an emotional Felipe. “Each one of you has always given me so much support, especially in the most difficult moments and I will never forget what Ferrari did for me when I had my accident in 2009.

It’s in these circumstances that one understands what it means to be really loved and the atmosphere at Ferrari and the unique feeling of being part of the family is something I will miss a lot.”

There was also a special thanks for the Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali: “I look on you as my big brother,” continued Felipe. “I thank you for everything you have done for me and for the opportunities you and the President have given me.”

Finally Felipe had an affectionate word for his friend and team-mate Fernando Alonso, joking about the incident in the 2010 German Grand Prix. “Thanks also to you Fer, we will meet again on track and this time I will try not to let you through.”

Felipe will now head home to Brazil to join his family before embarking on his new adventure in Formula 1. He will be taking with him a gift from President Montezemolo, namely the engine from the F2008 that took him within touching distance of the world title in 2008.

Scuderia Ferrari