Massa learning at Ferrari university

Felipe Massa compares his time as a Ferrari tester to being at university; learning from some of the best drivers in Formula One today. Five time champion Michael Schumacher, Brazilian, and compatriot, Rubens Barrichello and long-time test driver Luca Badoer certainly give the young Massa an education.

Felipe Massa.

Photo by Mark Gledhill.

"The experience I am acquiring this year is very important, especially as I go to all the races and attend all the meetings. The more time I spend with the team the better it is for me."

Massa is full of praise for Schumacher, whom he considers the ultimate professional: "Michael is really on the ball," he explained. "He is always very nice when he speaks with the engineers. Everyone knows he is the best driver at the moment, but he is always very laid back and takes things calmly. When things get difficult, he knows how to be cool and clear headed."

"It is very interesting because when he is concentrating his expression never changes. His professionalism is almost unbelievable and he knows everything about the car and wants to know everything that's going on. He is the heart of the team."

For the time being, apart from taking part in the Zandvoort Masters recently, Massa is taking it easy while the testing ban is in place until after the Hungarian GP: "At the moment, I am not actually too busy," he said. "But that's just because testing banned at the moment, which means I have a bit of time for a holiday. Anyway, nearly everyone seems to be on holiday right now! Mine will only last to the end of the month and then I will be back at work. Since I joined Ferrari, I have covered about 8000 kilometres, not bad don't you think?

It has been speculated that Massa will take over from Barrichello in the future to be groomed as a replacement for Schumacher when the German finally decides to call it a day. Also, the rumour mill has it that Massa will retake his race seat at Sauber next year, to give him more race experience.