Why the Chinese GP is Massa's last chance

Massa remains in the Ferrari factory to work on solutions

Felipe Massa has reached a critical point in his career. He is constantly bombarded by rumors from every side, each and every bit of information suggesting his time is up. Even though Ferrari are not yet willing to give up on the Brazilian, the clock certainly is ticking and it won't be long before everyone runs out of patience. 

In the last two races, Massa endured his worst start of a season at Ferrari. Although the team doesn't have the fastest car, and is arguably part of only the midfield, the Brazilian was miles away from Fernando Alonso's pace in both races. The team have quickly jumped to the driver's defense.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: autosport.com

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali says Felipe Massa's performance during the 2008 season should act as a reminder that the Brazilian's poor start to 2012 can be overcome. Massa failed to score a point in the first two races of 2008, but then went on to fight for the title until the final grand prix of the season, where he lost out to Lewis Hamilton by just one point.

Massa locks up in FP1 in Malaysia

The Ferrari driver has not been on the podium since the 2010 Korean Grand Prix, and he has endured a tough start to the season, having not scored any points yet to his team-mate Fernando Alonso's 35. 

"I well remember that, four years ago, in fact right after a Malaysian Grand Prix, which was won for us by Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe was more or less in the same situation as today," said Domenicali on Ferrari's website. "The papers were demanding his immediate replacement and he managed to react in the best way possible, thanks to support from the team, which saw him win two of the next three races.

"We remember how that particular season ended, with the Brazilian actually world champion, even if it was just for a few seconds, while we took our 16th constructors' title.

"Felipe has changed his plans and, instead of heading home to see his family in Brazil, he will be in Maranello tomorrow to work alongside the engineers to calmly analyse everything that happened in these past two races, trying to identify why he was not able to deliver what he is capable of.

"That's the right spirit and we are here, ready to help him."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even though this is heartwarming and a surprising approach from Ferrari, it's coming from a team that sacked a driver who still had a contract for 2010. Words should never be taken for granted in Formula 1, though it should certainly give Massa some encouragement for his preparations. And considering recent talks around the paddock that the team contacted Jenson Button last season to offer him Massa's place, it's becoming evident that Ferrari are indeed shuffling their plans in case Massa truly fails to deliver. According to various sources, Sergio Perez and Jarno Trulli are on the top of the list. 

One thing is certain: Massa has to deliver some results, and these results must come immediately during the weekend in China. He almost certainly lost his seat for next season at Ferrari, but now he must work hard if he wishes to keep it warm for himself this year too.