Massa: Avoiding chaos key to podium

Editor 07 Oct 2012 9:52 AM

Felipe Massa believes his ability to steer clear of the first-corner chaos at the Japanese GP played a major role in his success…

Felipe Massa believes his ability to steer clear of the first-corner chaos at the Japanese GP played a major role in his success.

Although he started 10th on the Suzuka grid, the Brazilian claimed his first podium finish since Korea 2010 as he finished second behind Sebastian Vettel.

After several drivers – including his Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso – suffered in incidents on the first corner, Massa found himself P4 behind Vettel, Kamui Kobayashi and Jenson Button after the first few laps.

However, he managed to get ahead of the Sauber and McLaren during the first round of pit stops and from there on in it was an easy race home.

“I think it’s fantastic to come here in Japan,” he said.

“My qualifying was not so good but we were able to get a good start. I was clever on the first corner to manage to avoid the accident and the pace was really good.

“I was quicker than Jenson then I was able to pass him and then Kamui so for sure it was a better race than what I expected.”

While the one side of the Ferrari garage was celebrating, the other side was left to bemoan another DNF. Alonso’s retirement means the Spaniard’s lead at the top of the standings has been reduced to four points by Vettel.

“Unfortunately Fernando isn’t here on the podium fighting for the Championship but hopefully we can keep on pushing,” Massa added.

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