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Massa determined to give it all one last time

As the curtain closes on his time in Formula 1, Felipe Massa believes he achieved a good result in qualifying this evening in Abu Dhabi, securing the last spot among the top 10 on tomorrow's grid.

Contrary to his rivals, Massa accomplished just a single lap in Q3 as his prospects of moving meaningfully up the order were remote following a very good Q2 stint in which he edged out his Williams team mate Valtteri Bottas.

"It is my last qualifying so it is good to finish with a good performance," Massa said.

"It is always good to be quick so I am not stopping because of the speed; I am stopping because of other things. It is like a nice gift.

"I will really concentrate and get ready for the race tomorrow, which is an important day, and I really hope things can work in a proper way tomorrow."

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Looking at tomorrow's race indeed, Massa wasn't sure his P10 qualifying spot was much of an advantage against his team mate who could potentially benefit from a free choice of tyres.

"We'll have to see, because you never know. For sure the strategy and everything will count for the tyres.

"I was quite happy with my long-run performance yesterday and today, so I think the car can be in a good line for the race."

While Massa insisted that he did not feel that yesterday was his last 'Friday' in Formula 1, he definitely was aware of today's ultimacy.

"Yes, sure, now I know it was the last qualifying day, but to be honest it is nothing really sad. I am happy for my decision anyway.

"It is a really good feeling to finish your last qualifying with a good performance. A good performance always gives you happiness, and I am happy for my job today and I hope we can have a good race tomorrow.

"But we know the car we have so the race will be not easy, so many cars around that are more competitive than ours. But I will try everything I can for getting the best out of my car."

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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.