Felipe Massa celebrates his thirtieth birthday today and Ferrari’s team principal, Stefano Domenicali, says the best present he can give the Brazilian, is that of a competitive car.
“We have known one another for such a long time and we have shared great moments together as well as some dramatic times and through them all, we have always been united, which is what makes our relationship special,” Domenicali told the official Ferrari website.
He assured Massa that everyone in Maranello is working ‘flat out’ to fine a solution to their poor qualifying pace.
“When you arrived in Maranello you were a kid and while here, you have become a man: we still have a long road to travel together and we hope it will be full of well deserved success.
“A present? All of us are working flat out on it at Maranello, without pausing for breath: you know what I’m talking about…”
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo also chipped in, adding that the next few weeks would be ‘crucial’ to Ferrari’s chances of fighting for the championship.
“Dear Felipe, I wish you all the very best for your thirtieth birthday. It’s a special day for you and also for all of us: you have been part of our family for ten years now and I know that you now live and breathe Ferrari.
“Your talent and your good nature mean that each and everyone of us appreciates you as a driver, but even more so as a person. Enjoy this day with your lovely family knowing that we can expect the new few weeks to be crucial for our championship chances.”
Team-mate Fernando Alonso also wished his ‘friend’ a happy birthday, claiming it would be down to them to do Ferrari proud if they can provide a competitive car.
“Hi Felipe and all my very best birthday wishes! You have got there a few months before me as, in July it will be my turn to turn thirty, so you’ll be able to tell me if it’s something special to reach this age.
“Joking apart, I want to tell you that I’m happy to be alongside you at Ferrari: I think we make up a good duo, respecting one another and working well together, in the knowledge that the interests of the team come before those of the individual.
“Now I hope we will soon a have a car good enough to see us fight for the top places, after which it will be down to the two of us to try and win.”
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