Fernando Alonso is not allowing Felipe Massa’s form to worry him, and retorted sarcastically to journalist questions regarding the matter.
A growing headache for Alonso at present is being caused by his once struggling Ferrari teammate.
Another competitive qualifying session by the Brazilian this weekend will make it an unprecedented fifth time on the trot he has beaten Alonso on Saturday.
Alonso, however, said it makes little sense to keep counting statistics about consecutive qualifying sessions over a winter period.
“After 200 races, it’s very surprising that two qualifying sessions matter so much (to the media),” he said in China.
Then he became sarcastic, “I’m pleased that it’s so important, because it means that when I finish ahead of him it will mean I have done a stratospheric lap. We’ll see if I can pull that magic here or later this year.”
Similarly, when asked if Massa’s pace is a worry, the 31-year-old quipped: “I haven’t slept since Australia. I only like to eat white rice. I’m losing my hair. A huge drama.”
More seriously, he said qualifying is much less important these days compared to the past.
“There were years when it was vital to start from the first row or from pole position, but since Pirelli arrived qualifying has become less and less important,” he insisted.
However, Alonso paid tribute to Massa’s top form.
“I think he is doing a fantastic job and driving at 100 per cent,” he said.
But it remains to be seen what will happen if Massa can maintain his form.
“Alonso is the kind of driver who pulls out a knife to stop his teammate breathing,” Brazilian commentator Lito Cavalcanti said on Sportv.
“Felipe is troubling him a lot, and he (Alonso) will react,” he predicted. (GMM)