Massa eyes victory in Brazil
2012-11-23 11:11
TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM: Felipe Massa hopes a victory on his home soil in Brazil will help team mate Fernando Alonso win the drivers' title.
INERLAGOS, Brazil - Felipe Massa is aiming to secure his third triumph on home soil in the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix to help Ferrari team mate Fernando Alonso win the Drivers' title for a third time.
The local hero, who won at Interlagos in 2006 and 2008, has set his sights on winning to round off a season of recovery with a memorable victory.
AIM FOR VICTORY
Alonso needs to out-score Red Bull rival and defending champion Sebastian Vettel by 14 points to clinch the title - a goal that requires him to deliver at least a podium finish in Sunday's race. Speaking at the circuit on the eve of opening free practice, Massa said: "Try to win for the third time - that is the right direction to think of. Just think of the victory.
"This is a very special race for me and I am going to try and win and I hope Fernando can finish second and without any problem win the championship."
Massa endured a difficult first half of 2012 but raised his game after the summer break to secure a one-year contract extension through 2013. He added: "It was a very difficult season compared to others. I was struggling in some races and in some others I was not struggling. There was always something happening and in some races I couldn't finish in the right position.
"After August everything was better. We were able to put together the right results in every race and I think it was a very good second part of the season for me and a very good preparation for next year."
