Felipe Massa’s 5 Greatest Ferrari Moments

2. Brazil 2006 - Home Victory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB92_NbcxEc In a most emotional victory, Felipe Massa became the first Brazilian driver to win the home Grand Prix at the wonderful Interlagos since the great Ayrton Senna in 1993. In the final race of the season, and teammate Schumacher's career, it was the ultimate prize to the young Brazilian, underlining just how fantastic he was with Ferrari. He dominated qualifying on Saturday, blowing away nearest challenger Kimi Raikkonen, then of McLaren, by over sixth-tenths of a second to take pole position. In the race, he held his lead into the first corner then, due to a first lap incident, Massa controlled the pack behind the safety car before he carried on where he left off, simply driving away from everyone else. As Schumacher, racing for the title in his final race, tried to make his way up from a poor qualifying position, he touched Renault's Fisichella in turn one, causing a rear puncture that dropped him to the back of the field. This left Massa with nothing to do but drive, and he was utterly untouchable. With Schumacher out to prove a point from the back, both Ferrari drivers blitzed the timing screens, though Massa actually had to ease off to prevent his illustrious teammate being given blue flags as he approached him a lap down. It was a heroic day for Massa, Schumacher and Ferrari. Massa drove to perfection to cruise to an incredible win in front of the adoring home crowds, whilst Schumacher scythed his way back up to fourth place with incredible speed and aggression to show that even in his final race, he was still the greatest. Fernando Alonso took his second championship that day as he finished second, almost 20 seconds behind Felipe Massa, but few cared as the crowds saw their new hero, dressed in his patriotic overalls, stand on top of the podium. Technically Massa could have been penalised for stopping to collect a Brazilian flag after crossing the line, but it was never enforced. It was the start of something special, as Massa would have won the following year in 2007 had he not allowed Raikkonen to pass in order to win the world championship, and won stunningly again in 2008.
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Self-confessed Geek; Aerospace Engineer with a passion for Formula 1, Engineering, Science and Cinema.