Formula One driver Felipe Massa will say goodbye to Ferrari on Sunday at the Interlagos track in his native Brazil, and today in Sao Paolo he said that it will be an emotional farewell.
Massa experienced some of the most memorable moments of his career at Interlagos. In 2006, he drove, according to his own words, "the most incredible race of his career", but in 2008 he also lost the title on the last lap.
Five years ago, he recorded his last victory in Formula One in Brazil.
"I will be very emotional when I drive for Ferrari for the last time, at Interlagos," said Massa ahead of this weekend's race.
The lack of results since then is partly responsible for the team's decision to bring in Kimi Raikkonen instead. Massa will drive for Williams in 2014.
Sunday's race will be Masina's 139th for Ferrari, and only the seven-time champion Michael Schumacher is ahead of him in terms of the number of Grand Prix races for the "black horse". The Brazilian drove for this team for eight years and during that time he recorded 11 victories, the most memorable of which was his first in Interlagos.
"Winning in Brazil 2006, my first year at Ferrari is definitely the most memorable race of my life. I wore a special yellow and green jumpsuit, made just for that race in the colors of our flag. Standing on the podium is more than I could have ever expected. of his life," said Masa.
"For Brazilians, winning this race is equal to winning the world title. It is the most emotional race of my life and I remember it like it was yesterday," he added.
Massa celebrated at Interlagos in 2008, but missed out on the title by one point as Lewis Hamilton broke into fifth on the last lap to win the trophy. The Brazilian cried afterwards when he found out that he didn't win the title.
"I didn't become the champion then, but I won the race, took the 'pole' position and had the fastest lap of the race. So I did everything perfectly that weekend, which is why that year is also impressive for me," said Massa.
Since finishing second in 2008, Masa's best finish in the drivers' standings has been sixth. Despite this, he said today that he was proud of his time at Ferrari.
"I would like to be remembered as an important part of the Ferrari team. We had a great time together, we won races, we won titles, but we also went through some difficult moments. I am proud to be part of the history of this team. It has always been my dream to I drive for Ferrari," said Massa.
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