Massa's knowledge makes him a contender



Felipe Massa's expertise on the circuit at Istanbul Park can lead him and Ferrari to victory this weekend in the Turkish Grand Prix. The fact the Brazilian driver has won in Turkey on three previous occasions makes him a real contender for the seventh round of the championship. Massa has had a decent start to the season with some early podiums, but he really needs to get some big points now if he is to challenge for the title.

This is an anti-clockwise track and it is one on which Massa has a brilliant record. The other anti-clockwise track on the Formula one calendar is in his own country of Brazil, so he is something of a master on them. The key part on the circuit is Turn Eight. It is tight and there are usually plenty of incidents at that bend. The driver who negotiates it best during the whole race will do very well for himself - and I can see Massa being that driver.

If we go by the form book, then you would have to say either Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bulls will win given the way they have been driving. They are developing the classic rivalry of two drivers in the same team going for the world championship. But this weekend's man to get among them is, in my opinion, Massa. Ayman Abdel Wahed is an F1 commentator for Abu Dhabi Media Company's Riyadiya 2 sports channel. ADMC also owns The National.

sports@thenational.ae

 

 

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia