Williams hopes to give Massa one last good memory

©Williams

The focus at Williams this weekend will be on providing Felipe Massa with another good memory before the 36-year-old bids a permanent farewell to F1.

Massa announced his retirement from Grand Prix racing last week, his second send-off in twelve months, after a career which totals 267 starts, 16 poles and 11 victories.

Like last year, emotions will be running high at Interlagos, at Williams but also in the grandstands.

"It will be very special going to Brazil with Felipe for his final Formula One race on home soil," says Williams tech boss and team partner Paddy lowe.

" It is a track that has generated huge drama and emotion over the years, not least with Felipe’s win in 2008 where he narrowly lost the World Championship.

"The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, formerly Interlagos, is a tremendous circuit with significant elevation and most of the circuit being visible from many of the spectator areas.

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"There are some challenging corners and a long uphill straight to the finish line which benefits good car handling and engine power.

"Our focus for the weekend will be on getting a good result for the team and importantly, for Felipe to give him another good memory to take with him from his four years at Williams, ahead of his final Formula One race in Abu Dhabi.

"The Brazilian fans are reliably enthusiastic and so we hope to put on a good show for them."

As for Massa, who hasn't yet finalized his future racing plans beyond F1, he will take the local fervor in his stride one last time.

"Brazil, my home race! It is always very special, and I will never forget what happened last year. Last year’s result was terrible, but the love, people and reception I witnessed was amazing.

"It’s fantastic to race at home, in the place where I started my career, and I’m looking forward to having a good race.

"I’ve had many good races in Brazil. Unfortunately, the last two years I didn’t but I really hope we can this year and I can enjoy being in my town, with my people.

"I really hope we have a good result, that is the most important thing."

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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.