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Formula 1

Christopher Bruce2012-07-11 17:33:33

Ferrari Says Zorro Likely as Second Driver

 
 
Slideshow
Massa may make the team for next season but it seems unlikely

FerrariFerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
5131 photos
37 videos
appears to be sick of the speculation about who the team's second driver will be for the 2013 season, or at least their racing PR department is. It has just released a rather humorous but clearly barbed press release saying that literally anyone could fill the second spot in the team next season including Massa or the swashbuckler Zorro. 

"Yesterday, one absolute certainty of the past few months was washed away, as we now know Webber is staying put. Now the most vociferous and qualified rumormongers are taking it for granted that Felipe will be confirmed, these generally being the same voices that, not only had him down as being out of the running for 2013, but would have had us believe he would not even see out the season. Now coming into bloom are a whole list of possible and potential replacements, with a list of names from A to Z, something Ferrari is well used to. In truth, one letter, the “Z,” seems yet to be uncovered, or quite possibly it’s Zorro…unmasked," said Ferrari in their statement. 

More realistically, Massa is definitely on the bubble for next season. The F2012F2012Ferrari F2012Italy, 2012 > 201214 photos
1 video
can clearly be fast in the right hands and those hands are not Massa. If he could get more fourth place or better finishes like at Silverstone last weekend, then his spot would probably be guaranteed. He is sitting in 13th place in the driver's championship, which is below drivers from Force IndiaForce IndiaForce IndiaIndia, 2007 > present8 models
118 photos
, SauberSauberSauberSwitzerland, 1970 > present21 models
166 photos
4 videos
and WIlliamsWilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
255 photos

If there is a most likely candidate for Massa's spot, it is probably Sergio Perez. He races for Sauber, which is a Ferrari engine customer. And Perez is a member of the Ferrari Driving Academy. Perez is in eighth place in the drivers' championship. Perez has had two podiums this season compared to Massa's none. 

The other possibility is Jules Bianchi. He is also a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and is the test driver for Force India. He does not have all the F1 experience that Perez has, but he would likely be cheaper. 

The dark horse possibility is Kimi Raikkonen. He has driven for Ferrari in the past, but the problem is he is completely unpredictable. Like the cliché says, "The devil you know is better than the one that you don't."

If Ferrari cannot find a 2nd driver, there is always Zorro. He would match Alonso well. 

Encyclopedia
FerrariFerrari
F2012F2012
Engine
V 8 (90º vee)
Displacement
146 cu in
Top Speed
--
Transmission
7, semi-automatic
Maximum power
--
Type
Single Seater
Fuel
Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined)
--
price
--
annual ownership cost
--

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