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F1: Nick Heidfeld 'belongs on F1 grid' says Felipe Massa

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Felipe Massa has expressed surprise that his former Sauber teammate Nick Heidfeld has been left without a race seat in 2010.

The pair shared the Ferrari-powered team in 2002, but while the 28-year-old Brazilian is now a title contender with Ferrari, 32-year-old Heidfeld has had to settle for Mercedes GP's reserve driver role.

"Why has no one offered Nick Heidfeld a good cockpit?" Massa is quoted as wondering to the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"If I look at the (2010) field, Nick belongs in formula one but not as a spare driver," he added.

Auto123.com published the interview Nick Heidfeld gave to explain his situation.


Felipe Massa has clarified that his relationship with his new teammate Fernando Alonso is fully intact.

Asked about his reportedly troubled relationship with Alonso, Massa said: "When I read things like that I just laugh, because I know it is invented.

"There is a great atmosphere in the team, and there could not be trouble between us. Ferrari would not allow it," he said in an interview with La Nueva Espana.

Massa said he was "positively surprised" by Alonso when the 2005 and 2006 world champion arrived at Ferrari.

"He very smart and quiet, with his feet on the ground, he knows how to work together and learn fast," the Brazilian explained.


In the same interview, Massa also clarified a paddock myth that his first visit to the paddock was as a food delivery truck driver in 2000, two years prior to his Sauber debut.

"More or less," he smiled when asked whether the story is right. "I was already a (racing) driver, but my pass was only for Friday.

"My agent had a restaurant and was doing catering for the Benetton team, so I drove an old van to the (Interlagos) circuit and stayed after that."


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada