Massa chases repeat podium in home race

Felipe Massa is keen to repeat his 2014 Interlagos podium during this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, as the Williams driver labels his home race “the most important” in his season.

The 11-time grand prix winner experienced an eventful São Paulo contest 12 months ago, but was still able to claim third behind the almighty Mercedes of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

“Last year we managed to finish on the podium,” said Massa. “It was a race with so many things happening – I had a five-second penalty and even stopped in the wrong garage - but we still managed to have an amazing race so it’s important to look back on what we did last year to try to repeat it and have a very strong weekend once again.”

Interlagos has been a happy hunting ground for Massa, with the São Paulo-born racer dominating his home event in 2006 and 2008. The latter saw the ex-Ferrari star nearly clinch the world title in an emotional showdown against Hamilton.

What’s more, competing at Autódromo José Carlos Pace bears a special significance for the Brazilian veteran, who learnt the ropes on site.

“Your home Grand Prix is always the most important race for a driver. For me to race at home where I started my career - first on the other side of the wall at the kart track, then onto the race track - there is always a big expectation to perform in front of your home crowd.

“I love the track, it’s one of the best tracks for me and I’ve always had good results there. I’m really looking forward to hopefully achieving another amazing result this year.

“The passion from the fans is amazing. The emotion they have and how close they are to me as a driver, it’s really an amazing feeling to race at home. The experience is difficult to explain.”

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