Massa hopes hit by engine change

12 April 2012

Ferrari's hopes of consolidating their position at the top of the constructors' standings were hit as Felipe Massa incurred a 10-place grid penalty at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Brazilian posted the fourth-fastest time in the second session of practice at the Shanghai International Circuit before learning that his engine would have to be replaced - resulting in the penalty.

"It's a shame as the car seemed to be well balanced right from the start and I had been able to do some good times," said Massa. "Of course, dropping 10 places on the grid will make my race much tougher but I believe I can still put in a good performance."

Ferrari lead the constructors' championship by just three points from Renault with three races remaining in the 19-race calendar, while the teams' respective leaders, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, are battling for the drivers' title.

"The day was spoilt by the problem with Felipe's engine, which will see him lose 10 places on the grid," said Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn.

"Now we have to look at the data and the engine itself to understand what happened. It's a real pity given our performance level is pretty good."

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