Williams’s driver Felipe Massa is getting closer and closer to the end of his Formula One career with just last races left to contest before clocking up his 250th and final race in Abu Dhabi. But, before he gets there, he will face his home fans one last time, and it is definitely set to be a very emotional weekend.
Massa has experienced highs at lows at his home circuit of Interlagos, but one really stands out more than others, and that was the 2008 event that saw him experience the greatest high for any driver, clinching the win in front of his home fans and the World Drivers Championship, only to be followed by the lowest of lows a minute later when he realized that the title had just slipped through his fingers.
However, Felipe won’t be thinking of that weekend as he prepares for the penultimate round of his F1 career, because he is currently swept up in the home build up and he can’t wait to take part in what will be one of the most special races of his career.
“It was at Interlagos that I took my first steps with a crash helmet, and it is the place where I managed to achieve my biggest dream: winning my home race,” he said in his column for Motorsport.com. “Every driver wants to win their home race, but for Brazilians I am sure it means a little bit more.”
“The joy of achieving it is incredible, and I had the good fortune to achieve it twice! So knowing that in a few day(s) I will drive my last home grand prix, in front of an extraordinary audience – it makes this time very special. I'm really looking forward to getting out on track.”
“There is a job to be done though, and on that front I do not think Interlagos will see much of a shake-up in the midfield compared to the last few races. We have to knuckle down and bring home the best result possible – for if there is one place where I hope we can achieve something more it is Interlagos. The support of the fans, and the reasons to give them something to cheer about, means I am preparing for a weekend that I am sure I will never forget.”
Keep an eye out for our special A to Z of Felipe Massa later in the week so you can find out all there is to know about the Williams driver before the final home race of his Formula One career.
