Fit-again Massa ready for new season with Alonso

Written by Associated Press

DOHA, Qatar (AP) Felipe Massa says he might not have survived the crash that nearly killed him if he'd been driving in Formula One 15 years ago.

Last July, during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Massa was struck on the helmet by car debris and crashed head-on into a tire barrier, suffering skull fractures that needed multiple surgeries. He missed the rest of the F1 season but was back behind a wheel in November.

Massa said it would have been more difficult to make a comeback if he had sustained his injury in the 1990s.

``Safety in Formula One has improved immensely,'' he said on Wednesday at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

``If I had this accident 15 years ago, I would have been in worse condition than I was last year. After what happened to Ayrton Senna (died in 1994 crash), Formula One safety got better and better, inside the car and around the circuit also. Now I am 100 percent ready. My recovery was good. I improved quickly.''

Since his F1 debut in 2002, Massa has achieved 11 wins and 28 podiums in 115 races.

His accident, the 29-year-old Brazilian said, has changed him, but not dulled his desire to win the championship.

``It was a life-changing experience for me. I learned a lot about life and about myself as I recovered from the injury,'' Massa said.

``I got mentally stronger during my recovery, and I am happy with my recovery after such a difficult time in my life.''

He also had good vibes about the new season, his fifth with Ferrari.

``I am hoping I can win (the title),'' he said. ``We have a very good car which is quick and consistent. We have done a good job in testing. It will be difficult because of the rule changes, but I am very motivated going into the new season. I hope it will be my season.''

Massa finished runner-up in 2008 and third in 2006.

This season he'll partner two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

``We know we're going to have a very difficult championship with a lot of good teams, good cars, good drivers,'' Massa said. ``But I can say that the feeling is really good.''

He also liked his new car.

``It is quick and consistent. You cannot compare this car with last year's car. It is completely different because of the rule changes. This year we will only use eight engines during 19 races. There are two more races this season but the same number of engines for the season like last year.''

And his opinion on Michael Schumacher, his teammate in 2006, the German's last season before retiring?

``It will be good to see him racing again. He is coming back at the age of 41. He is obviously very motivated to do well. We know him well, he races well. He is really a great talent. He fights in every race. But I hope,'' Massa said with a smile, ``he's behind me and not in front.''