Massa wins European GP … Probably

August 24, 2008 by Dominic Alder

Massa Wins in Valencia Felipe Massa is emerging as Ferrari’s best hope for this year’s Formula One World Championship after taking victory in the European Grand Prix at Valencia.

Massa led from pole and cruised to a comfortable victory after a challenge from Lewis Hamilton failed to materialise. Hamilton pitted one lap later than Massa on lap 16 and did not have enough time to overcome the Brazilian’s advantage. Massa was far too strong for McLaren in the first sector of the Valencia street circuit lap. After this, Hamilton fell away from Massa in the middle stint and did not have another opportunity to challenge for the lead.

The race was not straightforward for Ferrari, however. Kimi Raikkonen battled with McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen before pitting on lap 44. A mix up with Ferrari’s new electronic pit-lane release device resulted in Raikkonen exiting his stop with the fuel hose still attached. A Ferrari mechanic was pulled over by Raikkonen’s rear wheel and was receiving medical attention as the race finished. Raikkonen himself retired with engine failure on the same lap.

Meanwhile, Massa will be investigated after the race for being released from his pit stop right into the path of Adrian Sutil on lap 37 and may receive a time penalty that would jeopardise his victory.

Elsewhere, Kubica took his first podium finish since his maiden GP victory in Canada two months ago by finishing third. Fernando Alonso disappointed his home fans by retiring on lap one after a collision with Williams’ Kazuki Nakajima left him with a broken rear wing.

Hamilton has once again stretched his championship lead, despite being outpaced by Massa. He now sits six points clear at the top of the standings, whilst Massa leapfrogs Raikkonen into second.

Will Ferrari now back Massa for the driver’s world championship? Massa is consistently quicker than an indifferent looking Raikkonen at present. Yet this season has already delivered several twists and turns and Raikkonen could haul himself right back into the fight with a win at the next race in Belgium… Hamilton is now following the Ferraris on the track, but is delivering consistent results and, for now at least, has reliability on his side.

Share and Enjoy: