Sauber confirm Massa as second driver

Brazil’s Felipe Massa has been officially confirmed by Sauber as their second driver alongside Giancarlo Fisichella next season.

Team chief Peter Sauber had admitted at the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month that he had re-signed Massa to form an all-new driver line-up in 2004, but the confirmation only came today after a two-year contract was agreed.

Massa competed for the Swiss-based team in 2002 but after being replaced at the end of his maiden season moved to Ferrari to spend this year as a test driver.

“My year as a Ferrari test driver has been of great value to me, and I’ve learnt a lot,” said the 22-year-old. “Naturally, though, my goal has been to drive races again.

“I’m overjoyed to return to Sauber. I had a great time with them before, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the team has all the prerequisites for being successful.”

Massa, who scored four points in 2002 with a best result of fifth place in Spain, completed a seat fitting at Sauber’s Hinwil factory today.

“Back in 2002, Felipe already proved his exceptional speed,” said Sauber, confident Massa will make a big impact in 2004 after working with six-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

“At the end of that season, I had recommended to him that, rather than going on to race for any other team, he should sign on with Ferrari as a test driver in order to become even more familiar with the technical aspects of Formula One.

“Getting first-hand experience of how Ferrari and Michael Schumacher operate is perfect training for a young racing driver. I’m convinced that Felipe is now able to make optimum use of his potential.

“For years, I’ve deemed Giancarlo one of the best racers in Formula One, and after his year with Ferrari, I also expect a great deal of Felipe.”

Italian Fisichella, who has joined from Jordan, and Massa could well turn next season into a shoot-out for a seat at Ferrari in 2005 with Brazilian Rubens Barrichello’s long-term future at the Italian team the subject of speculation.

There is also the continuing question marks over how long Schumacher will carry on racing following his record breaking title triumph this year. The German has signed until the end of 2006 but many believe he will retire before then.