‘Massa will return stronger’

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo is confident that Felipe Massa will bounce back in 2012 after a below-par showing in the past season…

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo is confident that Felipe Massa will bounce back in 2012 after a below-par showing in the past season.

The Brazilian was unable to claim one podium finish across the entire season, with fifth spot his best showing. Such a poor run saw him end the campaign in sixth spot in the Driver’s standings, a massive 139 points behind team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Many have questioned Ferrari’s decision to retain Massa and the 30-year-old is certainly under pressure heading into the new year and di Montezemolo believes that he will rise to the challenge.

“Massa is the first to admit disappointment at the way his year went, a feeling we share, but I hope and believe that with a faster car and one that warms up its tyres better, Felipe will be competitive once again,” di Montezemolo said at Ferrari’s end of year function.

“We should not forget he was often quicker than Michael [Schumacher] or Kimi [Raikkonen], when he was team-mates with them.”