For the first time in his career, Felipe Massa clocked the fastest race lap in last Sunday’s Spanish grand prix.
The Brazilian, although just fourth and half a minute behind at the chequered flag, logged an unbeaten tour of Circuit de Catalunya – 1.16.648 – on lap forty-two.
Renault race winner Fernando Alonso, however, trailed the Ferrari newcomer by less than a tenth of a second, followed by Massa’s red-clad teammate Michael Schumacher.
But 24-year-old Massa, this week at Paul Ricard to test alongside several other teams, said of the Barcelona race: ”We had not expected the Renaults to make such a step forward on race day.
”I think maybe the heat tipped the balance slightly in favour of Renault on Sunday, as it was hotter than we had expected.”
gmmf1 dailyf1news.com