Alonso: No psychological war with Massa

Thursday 15th October 2009

Fernando Alonso is adamant there will be no psychological war with new Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa.

Massa appeared to stoke the fires on Wednesday by claiming Alonso was aware of the plot that culminated in Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashing his Renault in last year's Singapore Grand Prix, helping the Spaniard to claim a remarkable victory.

"It was the team and Nelson, but Alonso was part of the problem," Massa is quoted as saying by the Brazilian media after a briefing.

"He knew. We cannot know it, (but) of course he knew. Absolute certainty."

Within hours a climbdown followed as he later clarified his remarks via a statement on Ferrari's website, although even then there was still an element of suspicion in his words.

"What I've said is the outcome of a hunch I've had and is not based on any concrete evidence," said Massa, who has previously stated he would have been World Champion but for the crash.

"The FIA World Council announced that there was no indication that Fernando may have been informed of what had happened and I respect this outcome.

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

Alonso, too, was also keen to play down the prospect of another bitter internal feud as he experienced with Lewis Hamilton during his ill-fated season at McLaren in 2007.

"There will be no psychological war," said Alonso.

"Maybe it was a misunderstanding with Felipe or the media, so it's difficult to know what is true and what was said because later he said a different thing.

"It's not very important for me. I'm not too worried. I made it clear to the World Council I had nothing to do with what happened in Singapore last year.

"I was not involved in anything, I didn't know anything, so there were no doubts. I didn't pay too much attention.

"It will not affect anything, me or the relationship. I actually think we will be great.

"At Ferrari the group is more important than the individual, where everyone is part of the team, a big family.

"I think it will be a good group and we will be very strong next year."

Massa this week completed a successful test in a 2007 Ferrari as part of his rehabilitation following his horrific accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.

Although a return to action this season has been dismissed, the 28-year-old will be in the paddock in Interlagos on Friday ahead of the grand prix on Sunday when he will wave the chequered flag.

Alonso, though, will not be seeking out Massa for any clear-the-air talks, but instead will discuss how best to integrate himself into the Ferrari family next year.

"Maybe we will have a chat, but I'm sure it won't be about this matter," dismissed Alonso.

"If we do have a chat it will be more about his recovery, that he seems well, about his experience at Ferrari.

"He has been there three or four years and I need to learn, to adapt myself a little bit quicker if possible.

"So anything I talk to Felipe about these days or in the future will be a huge help for me to know the team.

"We are working with only one goal next year, which is to again put Ferrari at the top of Formula One, and I think Felipe and I can do it."

Your Comments

mrkjf

"Just about every No1 driver on the grid would quietly be afraid of Alonso,but not Massa as much, just to point out Massa has been driving with Schumacher hes not that afraid."

eltondana

"i already commet before, ferrari take big mistake?? alonso and mass not best together..."

elcrowley

"It seems Massa is nervious to have Alonso as teammate for next year....."

robson

"the only ones scared about next season are the anti ferrari supporters. fact is the scuderia have the 2 quickest drivers next year in what will be a good car. vettel is also quick but car wont be up to his talents. hamilton/kimi are past their used by dates-big time"

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