Massa keen to reignite his career

Senna's picture on Williams' car to mark his 20th death anniversary

Brazil’s Felipe Massa is looking forward to reigniting his Formula One career with Williams after impressing in pre-season testing for the British team.

In Bahrain last week the former Ferrari driver posted the fastest time of the four-day session — 1 minute 33.2458 seconds — in what was the final testing period before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.

It was an equally heartening session for 16-time world champions Williams, who had one of their worst campaigns last season.

Boasting a history encompassing nine constructors’ titles and seven Formula One drivers’ championships, Williams managed just five points last term and finished ninth in the standings.

But Massa’s form in the Gulf has given both driver and team hope ahead of the 2014 season.

“I think it’s a new time, everything is new, there is a big change for the rules and for everybody,” Massa said as Williams unveiled leading drinks brand Martini as its new main sponsor in London on Thursday.

“For me I think it was the right time to change and start something new,” said Massa, who finished runner-up to Britain’s Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 World Championship.
“I’m really happy with the work up until now,” added Massa, who finished eighth last season. From what I’ve seen inside the (Williams) team, how people work, the motivation, the development of the car day by day inside the factory it’s really positive.

“I’m very happy and 100 percent motivated and looking forward to having a good season. The Championship is long, it’s difficult so I think we always need to keep our feet on the ground.”

Massa explained how changes in Formula One regulations had made all the cars on the grid, including the Mercedes-powered Williams FW36, harder to drive.

Senna remembered

Meanwhile, Williams will have a picture of Ayrton Senna on their car this season as Formula One marks the 20th anniversary of the triple champion's death.

The Brazilian, who won his titles with McLaren, died after crashing his Williams at the Imola circuit in Italy on May 1, 1994.

Williams have had the Senna Foundation's double S logo on their cars as a mark of respect ever since and this year's FW36 will feature a new tribute on the left of the nose cone with a picture of the driver next to the words "Ayrton Senna Always".