Massa hindered in qualifying by tyre temperatures

Felipe Massa wasn't impressed with his qualifying performance in Barcelona where he ended the day P9 on the timesheet.

The Williams driver struggled with the temperatures of his Pirelli soft compound tyres throughout the afternoon session as he did his best to preserve his rubber's performance from dropping off before the end of his fast run.

"It wasn’t a fantastic qualifying, because we knew the best we could achieve today was seventh, and we’re ninth," lamented the Brazilian.

"I struggled with overheating on the tyres throughout qualifying, especially in sector three. It was quite difficult even to get into Q2, and Q3, because the tyres were getting too hot."

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Massa tried several approaches to avoid the overeating issue, but to no avail unfortunately.

"I was really slow on all of my out-laps, slower than all the other cars, but it just wasn’t working. I then decided to go even slower to see if the tyres could survive for the last sector.

"It helped, because I picked up some pace, maybe four tenths, and I managed to make it through to Q2.

"In Q3 I was the slowest car on my out-lap again, but the tyres were too hot in sector three and I lost a bit of time and maybe a couple of positions because of the issue.

The 36-year-old veteran is keeping his hopes up for the race however, and even said he will be happy to see a McLaren racing in his vicinity tomorrow.

"But, the race is tomorrow. We will try to do the best we can and fight with the teams around us, even the McLaren is in the mix. Fernando did a great job today. "

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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.