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Massa: I feel the whole team stands by me. Getty Images
F1

Ferrari chief wants more from struggling Massa

In a Formula One season that has seen five different drivers win in the opening rounds, the under-fire Brazilian has finished inside the top 10 just once.

FERRARI PRESIDENT Luca di Montezemolo has demanded improvement from struggling driver Felipe Massa.

In a Formula One season that has seen five different drivers win in the opening rounds, the under-fire Brazilian has finished inside the top 10 just once.

Di Montezemolo, in an open letter sent to staff, issued a rallying call ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, asking for more from Massa.

“The championship is in our own hands. The championship is very open and so far, there has not been one dominant force,” he wrote.

“A series of circumstances and the work done here to improve the car, as well as (Fernando) Alonso’s great ability, has led to us leading the championship after five rounds.

“We must capitalise on that, with each one of us giving our very best at home and at the race track, including Massa who must bring home the results we expect from him.”

Massa’s position has been the subject of endless speculation even before the season commenced, with several drivers linked with his Ferrari seat for the 2013 season. Ferrari have continued to stick by Massa, and the 31-year-old conceded on the weekend he was still struggling to get the most out of his car.

“I feel the whole team stands by me,” Massa said. ”It’s definitely not a very easy car to drive and it’s hard to find a good balance.

“Many times I have found myself having to fight the car and, in these circumstances, it’s easy to lose a tenth here and there.

“It’s well known that we don’t yet have enough aerodynamic down-force and we are lacking in traction at the exit to slow corners, which could be the biggest problem.”

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