Massa roars back at Goodwood, with a side of saucy 2008 sarcasm

Eleven-time Grand Prix winner Felipe Massa made a popular return to the cockpit of his beloved Ferrari F2008 on Friday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and couldn’t resist stirring the pot over the still-contentious 2008 Formula 1 championship.

Reunited with the very car he drove in one of the most dramatic title battles in F1 history, Massa basked in nostalgia as he roared up Goodwood’s hill.

But more than just rekindling old memories, the Brazilian seized the moment with a cheeky jab that only added fuel to his ongoing legal crusade to have the 2008 championship outcome revised.

For those needing a refresher, the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix saw Nelson Piquet Jr.’s deliberate crash, orchestrated by Renault to boost Fernando Alonso, leaving Massa with a botched pitstop and a measly 13th-place finish.

That race and Renault’s nefarious antics, he argues, cost him the championship to Lewis Hamilton, who clinched it with a heart-stopping last-lap pass in Brazil three races later.

Now, Massa’s legal battle against F1, the FIA, and ex-boss Bernie Ecclestone claims the infamous event’s results could’ve been scrapped, crowning him king.

Back in the Saddle, and the Spotlight

After Massa completed his run with the machine that secured Ferrari’s last Constructors’ championship and, in his mind, his drivers’ title – the Brazilian seized the moment.

“It's just an amazing feeling to drive the 2008 car after a long time,” Massa said, his smirk practically echoing through the Sussex countryside.

“It was just amazing to be part of the Ferrari team for so long, and this was definitely my best year. The car with which we managed to win five [six] times. It was the last constructors' championship for Ferrari – also mine, I would say (sic).”

That little “sic” was a sly nod to the title he’s still chasing in court.

Massa’s tongue-in-cheek claim wasn’t just bravado; it was a middle finger to a sport that’s never fully atoned for 2008.

Ferrari and McLaren’s epic 2008 duel saw Massa and Kimi Raikkonen notch eight wins to McLaren’s six, yet Hamilton’s consistency – and that Timo Glock-overtaking drama – sealed Massa’s fate.

But at Goodwood, he wasn’t dwelling. Well, not entirely.

“Anyway, it's just an amazing moment to be here at Goodwood. I love these amazing people, and it's a great feeling to drive this car again after so long,” he said, basking in the cheers of fans who’d probably sign his legal papers themselves.

• Read also: Massa legal case against F1 set for October date

The F2008, a scarlet symbol indeed of Ferrari’s last constructors’ triumph, felt like an old flame to Massa, even if he’s a tad less svelte at 44.

“[It feels] like home,” he quipped. “I know the position is a little bit different. I got a little bit heavy. Not so much actually, it was not so bad.

“I didn't know if the seat would be right for me, but it was okay. It was just an incredible feeling and a great experience to relive, to drive this car again.”

The courts may decide next October if he’s the 2008 champion, but for one glorious day, Felipe Massa was the people’s king, and he made sure every rev of that V8 screamed it.

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