Despite being the first Brazilian to lead the
Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship since
Ayrton Senna more than 15 years ago,
Felipe Massa has insisted he is not ‘making any comparisons' between himself and the late, great three-time world champion.
Massa seized the advantage in the title chase following his triumph in the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours a fortnight ago – his third win of 2008, and one that has made him the most successful driver of the season to-date in terms of race victories.
That position, though, he stressed would not affect his approach for the upcoming British Grand Prix at
Silverstone this weekend – a race that has traditionally been kind to
Ferrari in recent years, if not necessarily to the São Paolista himself.
“Coming here leading the championship does not change much in terms of my attitude,” he underlined, “because there are so many races to go. Our work methods do not change at all, especially as there have been four different leaders already this year.
“My aim is the same, which is to try and win the race. I don't think it will be easy with the uncertain weather and the strong competition, and I think it is too early to say who is my strongest opponent amongst the three who are close behind me at the moment.
“Fighting against three drivers rather than having just one opponent close on points is actually a much tougher challenge, because if you have a difficult weekend, you can suddenly find yourself behind all three of them on points.
“They all have a chance of beating me and I would not say that one of them in particular has the best chance. I think it is very equal, but I do not feel under any pressure and I just get on with my work with the team to make the car as good as possible.
“I think I am ready to be world champion. I cannot say I am not ready given the position I am in, but I can only repeat that there is still a long way to go and this is the time to think about one race at the time, not the whole championship.”
