Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, Williams Martini Racing‘s Felipe Massa has indicated his interest in putting on a show for the fans, in honour of the final Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit.
Massa, who has participated in 14 Malaysian Grand Prix claimed his first career Formula 1 point in the 2002 race, but has failed to get on the podium in Kuala Lumpur thus far, recording a best finish of fifth on four separate occasions – 2006, 2007, 2011 and most recently in 2013.
Fluctuating record aside, Massa stated that he enjoys the challenge of racing here, both physically and technically and will miss the event after its departure.
“The race in Malaysia is another one held in very hot and humid conditions, but for this we go back to racing in the daylight.” the 36-year-old said.
“Without doubt it will be very difficult physically and us drivers will lose a lot of fluids.
“It is a shame that this will be our last F1 race there, as I like racing there and have some friends who live around Kuala Lumpur.”
There are suspicions that this may be Massa’s final campaign in Formula 1 too, the Brazilian’s future unknown, with Williams reportedly looking at other options to partner Lance Stroll for 2018 and beyond.
Yet the veteran is looking to put aside the speculation for the time being, his main aim to continue a promising run of form. An eleventh placed finish in Singapore marked the first race since Azerbaijan that Massa has failed to score points – barring the Hungarian Grand Prix, which he missed due to illness.
And with that form, Massa hopes to bring entertainment and excitement to the watching crowd to mark the end of an era in Formula 1 aptly.
“I really hope we can enjoy this and have a great last race for the fans.”
