Spanish GP: Ferrari’s hopes with its new F60

The sixth place of Kimi Räikkönen in Bahrain, the fourth race of the championship, allowed Ferrari to score its first points in this 2009 campaign. The Reds, reigning champions, have not found the secret to an effective package on the F60.

The 2007 world champion is well aware that his last victory was a year ago in Spain and that the team needs to make a big step forward with their 2009 car.

With a multitude of updates on the F60, Ferrari will once again run with KERS this weekend in Spain, while rivals like BMW-Sauber or Renault will not use the technology. As the team introduces new updates, Massa wants to make up for his failed and frustrating start to the season by scoring his first points on the Iberian testing track.

Kimi Räikkönen – Racing Driver

« It’s been a little over a year since I won my last Formula 1 race. In Barcelona, in 2008, I had my best weekend with Ferrari: pole position, victory, and fastest lap in the race. Since then, I’ve tried to replicate it in places like Magny-Cours, Spa, and Montreal, but for one reason or another, I’ve never been able to do it again. That said, a driver never loses the desire to win, and I want to experience that feeling again as soon as possible. »

« After four non-European races, it’s always very nice to return to the Old Continent. First, because we find the Circuit de Catalunya, and second, because I have won this Grand Prix twice in my career. The initial signs of the new aerodynamic package are positive. It will be really interesting to study the car during Friday’s free practice sessions. We ran on this track in March, but it’s always very difficult to rely on test results. Many cars have evolved since then. With the new aerodynamic package on the F60, we will have more downforce compared to the first four races. All the other teams will introduce updates. We will then see who has done a better job. »

« Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial on this Spanish track to achieve a good lap time. It is a very demanding circuit from a technical standpoint, and you need a good car to be competitive. A good qualifying session will be important to avoid getting stuck in the pack. Overtaking is never easy in Barcelona, but we’ll see if KERS can make things easier. On this track, it could make a difference, especially at the start. »

Felipe Massa – Racing Driver

« Four races and no points for me, but at least Kimi [Räikkönen] scored some at the Sakhir circuit. We made a step forward in Bahrain in terms of performance, which likely comes from the KERS.

« In recent years, about ten days before the race, we had one of the most intense test sessions of the year in Barcelona, but now, all this is forbidden. We are all trying to improve our car without on-track testing. In this situation, the help of a simulator becomes very important. »