Felipe Massa arguably the form man in the 2008
Formula 1 World Championship as the circus arrives in Monaco this weekend has admitted that the annual dash around the narrow, tortuous streets of the Principality is far from his favourite experience of the season.
The Brazilian has triumphed in two of the last three grands prix and finished as runner-up in the other, propelling him up into second spot in the drivers' standings and with it title contention. Should he put the celebrated qualifying prowess that has also made him
F1's highest average starter so far this year to good use in Monte Carlo, he could just prove unbeatable in the race even if he does confess to not being a huge fan of the track.
I have to admit that this is not one of my favourite circuits, Massa reflected on the eve of the grand prix weekend. In terms of driving pleasure, I prefer fast flowing places like Turkey, Bahrain and Barcelona for example, but that does not mean we cannot be strong here.
You always find tracks you like more than others, but this does not mean you cannot be competitive at those you are not so keen on.
Ferrari was not particularly strong in Monte Carlo twelve months ago, with
Kimi Raikkonen crashing in qualifying and scraping a sole point for eighth place in the race, leaving Massa as Maranello's best-placed representative albeit almost a gaping 70 seconds adrift of the two pace-setting McLaren-Mercedes' at the chequered flag.
Though the 27-year-old has in the past been criticised for excelling at only a handful of circuits on the calendar most notably Bahrain and Istanbul he is adamant that he is capable of mounting a concerted championship bid by being quick
everywhere, and optimistic that the scarlet machines are in far better shape to attack for glory in Monaco one year on.
