MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO (Italy) // Felipe Massa does not remember the crash that almost killed him as he took part in qualifying for last year's Hungarian Grand Prix. Given he was placed in an induced coma after careering into a tyre wall, it is just as well. But it is also this absence of memories that will help ensure he will race with the same intensity as before. "I was never in the position to say I have to stop, or maybe I will not be able to race again," he said.
"The accident didn't change my life or the way I think, the way I work, but gave me more experience. My recovery has been positive, from a physical point of view I'm better off." Massa learned from Michael Schumacher when the German was at Ferrari, but he insisted their friendship will not affect their attitude on the track, with the seven-times world champion returning to F1 for the 2010 season with Mercedes GP.
"We have a great relationship outside, but inside we are professional. I want to win and that's what counts," he said. "I thought Michael had ended his perfect career. But if something was missing in my life I would have taken the same decision. "It's going to be a competitive and difficult year. There are many good drivers and possibilities for the championship. Maybe it won't be just two drivers, maybe five or six, who can win."
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