Alonso Gets New Helmet for Monaco; Massa Hoping to Improve

Looking at Scuderia FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
5131 photos
37 videos
now is like looking at two separate teams. Fernando Alonso is tied for the drivers' points lead and was strong in practice today- first in session one, fourth in session two. He is also getting a new, gold helmet this weekend. On the other side of the garage is Felipe Massa who has had nothing but struggle this season. His best finish was a ninth in Bahrain and has had two 15th place finishes. In practice today he was sixth in the first session and third in the second. 

Massa has had trouble finding his footing this season. He says that each race has been very different and even favored cars at a specific course have struggled. He sees that the problem has a technical side and a mental side. The Ferrari F2012Ferrari F2012Italy, 2012 > 201214 photos
1 video
lacks traction and top speed, according to Massa, but top speed will not play a part in Monte Carlo. 

 “I hope this weekend is where one can consider that my 2012 championship will begin. This is a different race to pretty much all of them, with the exception of Singapore, which is a bit similar and therefore I hope it can be a new beginning for me. I have had a few difficult times in my career and maybe the start to this season has been the most difficult so far,” said Massa. 

Alonso, though, seems optimistic and almost buoyant. He does not see Monaco has a major challenge and it shows in his practice times. He says that although he might not like the actual track, the atmosphere around the race is fantastic. For him, it is one of the most glamorous races on the calendar. 

“I don’t think the track is particularly difficult or interesting compared to other street circuits like Singapore or amazing tracks like Suzuka or Spa where you really enjoy the lap. The track is therefore the least important factor of the Monaco Grand Prix, with everything around it having a greater importance. We all like to win here because of that, because winning one time in your life here in Monaco is something that will be remembered forever. Hopefully, if we have a good race here, then we will pick up points that will be welcome for our championship hopes" said Alonso. 

To add to the glamor of the race, Alonso is getting a new, metallic gold helmet for the race. Alonso designed it himself as a dedication to Monte Carlo and its casinos. It is decorated with a mix of motifs. First, there is a group of cards, dice, chips and a roulette wheel. It has the numbers 5 for his car's number, 14, a number he sees as special, 19, his favorite corner at Monaco, 20 for his poles in F1, 30, his age, 70 for the race's anniversary, 75 for his F1 podiums, 78 for the race's laps and  158 for the Ferrari 158 that John Surtees won with in Monaco in 1964. The helmet also shows the Cross of Victoria, which is in a cathedral in his home town of Oviedo, Spain. Finally, the helmet bears the latin inscription “Hoc tuetur segno Pio. Hoc vincitur segno inimicus” (“With this sign thou shalt defend the pious, with this sign thou shalt defeat the enemy.”) It will be auctioned after the race for charity going to a foundation that bears his name for road safety

Alonso and Button Fastest in Monaco Practice