Massa still competitive despite near-death crash

Mar 13, 2010 - 1:55 PM By PAUL LOGOTHETIS AP Auto Racing Writer

SAKHIR, Bahrain(AP) -- Felipe Massa's qualifying performance confirmed what the Ferrari driver always knew: He's still competitive despite a near-death crash last season.

Massa will start Formula One's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix behind pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull after an impressive first competitive drive Saturday since a crash at the Hungarian GP in July.

"It's always nice when you come back and you are competitive and that's what I expected," the Brazilian driver said. "We have a good team and we want to be first. I feel really we're in a good direction."

Massa was in a coma for several days after lifesaving surgery on skull injuries sustained from a high-speed crash into the wall at the Hungaroring, which came after a loose spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car knocked him unconscious.

"I'm here 100 percent and ready to fight," Massa said. "I feel very happy to be back after such a difficult time. After watching on TV, it's much nicer to be back in the car."

Vettel paid tribute to Massa, giving "big respect to what he has achieved."

"I think I speak on behalf of all of the drivers when I say it's good to have him back," said Vettel, who will be trying to hold off Massa for his sixth career win.

Massa, who won here in 2007 and '08, said he expected to be competing with Red Bull and Mercedes at the desert track. Nico Rosberg was fifth, while former Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher was seventh in his comeback after three years of retirement.

New Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso was just under half a second off Massa's pace and the two-time champion will start third as the Italian team had its best qualifying effort in three years.

Ferrari suffered its worst run of results since 1993 last season and ditched 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen in favor of Alonso.

"This is confirmation of the potential of our car, which is great for our prospects in the championship," Alonso said. "But teams are developing the cars so quickly, you can find yourself seventh or eighth suddenly. (So) this is a very good start."