Massa prepping for a 'battle with the bulls'

Felipe Massa enjoyed a productive day at the office after clinching a sixth place position on tomorrow's Russian Grand Prix grid.

The Brazilian was among the 'best of the rest' challengers outside the untouchable top four contenders and thoroughly enjoyed his qualifying battle with the Red Bull boys.

"It was definitely a great qualifying for us, in the middle of two Red Bulls," Massa, told Sky Sports.

"[Williams performance chief] Rob Smedley told me, 'I think you can be in the middle of the Red Bulls', so I said, 'OK, let's try', and he was right – I'm happy with my lap.

"It's just nice to be fighting with a team that was better than us in the first few races, and our long run on Friday was even better than them, so I think we can fight tomorrow."

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Massa's Mercedes power may just come in handy tomorrow at the start for the long run down to Turn 2 against the Renault-powered Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

"I'm not on the perfect line, but you never know, maybe if I have a good start the engine definitely helps for Turn 2, and many things can happen there," said Massa.

"Then you pass through Turn 3 and start your race."

"I will try everything I can, I'm very motivated and I hope everything will be right for us to have a good race tomorrow.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.