> Massa ready to help Kimi if needed

Felipe Massa says he is prepared to sacrifice winning his home grand prix in Brazil to help Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen clinch the world championship.

Raikkonen’s victory in China on Sunday, coupled with title leader Lewis Hamilton’s retirement, brought the Finn back into play for an improbable title success and he now heads to Interlagos seven points back on the Briton.

Massa, who won his home race last season after then team-mate Michael Schumacher’s slim title hopes unravelled in qualifying, admits he is happy to play the team game if needed – but otherwise will go all out for the victory.

“You never know,” he said of what might happen in two weeks time.

“For sure if Kimi has a chance during the race to win the championship, I think it’s very good for the team and I would also be very happy to help the team.

“If maybe Lewis or Fernando are in the middle and we have no chance, I will try to win the race.”

Despite Raikkonen’s timely win at Shanghai, his chances of clinching a maiden championship remain slim.

Irrespective of whether he wins for the sixth time this season at Interlagos, Hamilton only needs to finish in fifth position to end the Finn’s title dreams.

However Massa may prove to be his ace card should the McLaren driver finish sixth or lower, or once again fail to make the finish.

Should that situation arise, Raikkonen must finish either first or second, with Fernando Alonso scoring three less points than him to ensure the world champion doesn't pinch a third world crown.

A Raikkonen-led Ferrari 1-2 would be the most likely scenario, with Alonso finishing third – giving Kimi the title by a single point.

Source: itv-f1