2009, here we come

Sometimes, perfection is not enough... 

Massa drove so beautiful, outdoing himself lap after lap, setting blazingly fast lap timings, pulling clean pit stops - he was clearly in a class of his own. 

Two laps to finish, and Sebastian Vettel is almost on the gearbox of Hamilton - and then under tension, Hamilton slid wide , and Vettel passed Hamilton - the tension was high in the room... silent prayers, beating hearts, tension filled moments - last lap, Massa takes the chequered flag, and as we erupt to a collective shout of euphoria, at the last corner, Timo Glock loses his speed and Hamilton passes him to grab his 5th position - an almost unheard cry left my throat, watching the moment when the perfect is defeated by the mediocre... 

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to Massa, commenting: “Felipe has grown so much, year after year, demonstrating his talent and personality, answering his critics with his driving and with his mind. He has had an amazing season and would have deserved the title. That's sport, it can sometimes be cruel.” 

Filipe, you did well. We are proud of you.

After 143 days, let us show them again…. 
(Stefano Domenicali's comment and picture - courtsey F1.com)