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Ferrari stand by Massa

Tuesday 25th March 2008

Ferrari have given Felipe Massa a vote of confidence despite reports suggesting his days at the Scuderia are numbered.

Rumours about Massa's future began in the wake of the Australian GP when a mistake at the first corner put him into a spin and right down at the back of the pack. He later retired with an engine failure.

One week later and the story wasn't an better.

Starting from pole position, Massa was outdone by his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in the first round of pit stops. Raikkonen then demonstrated his quicker pace, pulling away from Massa, before the Brazilian lost control of the rear of his car, beaching it in the gravel.

It was another disappointing showing from the Ferrari driver who has yet to score a single point this season.

But despite this and growing rumours regarding Massa's future, team boss Stefano Domenicali is keeping faith with the 26-year-old.

"It's true that it's two no scores that are important in both the Drivers' and the Constructors' Championships," said Domenicali.

"But on the other hand we must not over-dramatize: the points table is close after two grands prix. I'm convinced that from Felipe's and our point of view, a response won't go amiss in Bahrain."

Domenicali also downplayed suggestions that Massa had cracked under the pressure being levelled on him by Raikkonen.

"I don't want to talk about this matter because Felipe did an extraordinary qualifying lap in Malaysia," the team boss said.

"Having seen on what lap he pitted compared to the others, you can work out that his lap was really unique.

"So Felipe has all the qualities and the capabilities to do well. The Championship is long and the team are united, so I see no worries from this aspect."

Related Links: Massa: 'There's Still A Long Way To Go'

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