Sauber sees Massa's potential

Team boss Peter Sauber has backed Felipe Massa as a star of the future.

Sauber gave the young Brazilian his Formula One debut in 2002 before sending him on a year’s sabbatical as a test driver with Ferrari to help him mature following an erratic maiden season.

Massa returned to Sauber this year and has shown plenty of pace, although he has only two points finishes to team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella’s three.

Sauber has declared himself happy with Massa’s progression as a driver and expects the 23-year-old to continue his improvement.

He said: “Since his first year with us, Felipe has had a very positive development.

“He has always had a high basic speed, but his year as a test driver with Ferrari has taught him a lot about the technology, and now he is able to give valuable input to the engineers.

“Besides that, he is simply a little older, and thus more mature, now. I am convinced that Felipe has great potential and will be able to further exploit it in future.”

Sauber is feeling particularly pleased with his choice of drivers for 2004, with the experienced Fisichella teaming up well with Massa to put the Switzerland-based team sixth in the constructors’ championship.

Sauber added: “Giancarlo has been picking up more and more speed. In the beginning, he was having a bit of difficulty, but the faster the C23 has become, the more he has been able to show his great skills.

“I have always considered Giancarlo one of the best Formula One drivers, and his performance has confirmed my opinion.”