Massa: I like refuelling and I am in favour of it

Felipe Massa supports the re-introduction of refueling in Formula 1, and believes that there will be no safety issues despite his experience at 2008 Singapore Grand Prix (above) which saw him drive out of his pit box with the fuel hose still attached to his Ferrari.

Massa told Sky Sports, “I don’t think it’s a problem for safety. We had many years with refueling in Formula 1 and we had a few problems, but not really very dangerous problems to be honest.”

The Brazilian explained, “I think it’s a good thing and [will] change completely the race. The problem now is that we will race with very heavy cars with the full tank and the lap times, if you compare qualifying and the race, it’s a big difference.”

“It’s a lot slower compared to how it was with the refueling. I’m sure the race will be more interesting and nicer for the driving – more sprint racing. So I like the refueling and I am in favour.”

Right now the refueling issue is still on proposal stage, and Martin Brundle is skeptical that it will actually happen.

“Can’t see refueling being reintroduced in F1,” Brundle wrote on Twitter. “Means all new car with smaller tank and big equipment freight costs. Better ways to spend money.”

Meanwhile Massa, veteran of 215 grand prix starts, is lobbying for drivers to have more of a say with regards to the future of the sport.

“It’s important. The driver needs to be inside the decisions. I remember I was talking with Jean Todt in the winter and he asked me why the races are a lot slower than before.”

“I said because we have the full tank. The car is already heavier and the race is a lot slower and lot more technical than before,” insisted the Williams driver.

“I think it’s important that drivers are together with technical and sporting meetings to decide the future of Formula 1 and to change things so it’s much more interesting for the racing and the fans.”

“We need to understand what is nicer to see in the race and for the fans to really enjoy Formula 1 once more. We are pushing to have drivers in the meetings, which is important,” concluded Massa.