Team Sauber Petronas has officially confirmed that the 22-year-old Brazilian, Felipe Massa, will drive for the team in 2004.
Team Sauber Petronas has officially confirmed that the 22-year-old Brazilian, Felipe Massa, will drive for the team in 2004.
Massa, who raced for the Swiss team during 2002, signed a two-year contract and will race alongside Giancarlo Fisichella next year.
Team boss Peter Sauber is delighted about Massa’s return to Sauber.
“Back in 2002, Felipe already proved his exceptional speed,” said Sauber, “At the end of that season, I recommended to him that, rather than going on to race for any other team, he should sign on with Ferrari as a test driver in order to become even more familiar with the technical aspects of Formula One.
“Getting first-hand experience of how Ferrari and Michael Schumacher operate is perfect training for a young racing driver. I’m convinced that Felipe is now able to make optimum use of his potential.”
“My year as a Ferrari test driver has been of great value to me, and I’ve learnt a lot,” commented the delighted Brazilian, “Naturally, though, my goal has been to drive races again. I’m overjoyed to return to Sauber Petronas. I had a great time with them before, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the team has all the prerequisites for being successful.”
Sauber is convinced that the signing of Massa and Fisichella has given him a powerful pair of drivers.
“For years, I’ve deemed Giancarlo one of the best racers in Formula One,” concluded Sauber, “and after his year with Ferrari, I also expect a great deal of Felipe.”
