Todt thinks Massa can recover

Jean Todt

Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt expects current team driver Felipe Massa to bounce back in 2012. The Brazilian has endured two relatively tough seasons with the Maranello squad, following on from his violent crash in Hungary over two years ago.

The now FIA President believes Pirelli’s 2011 tires sparked the 30-year-old's struggles, but is confident that a change in fortunes will be enjoyed next year.

"He struggled with the transition to Pirelli tires, but he is still a good driver and will recover," Todt explained to Italy’s Corriere della Sera. "Alonso is the point of reference not just for him but for everyone. Felipe was three tenths away from him, not three seconds."

Todt also talked about the team's most recent challenger, admitting that although it was no match for Red Bull, it was still a respectable car that kept them in contention.

"It was claimed that Ferrari did not have competitive car but I don't agree," he added. "The Ferrari was not as good as the Red Bull but in any case it was still a good car."