'Lucky' Massa ready for last hurrah in Abu Dhabi

Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll grace the unveiling of the Williams Racing F1 car at the Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Felipe Massa has always had an emotional affair with Formula One. His first charged-up home win in the Brazilian Grand Prix, last year's guard of honour by drivers in the pit lane and at Interlagos his son's message on team radio: "Daddy, I am so proud of you. Wherever you go, I will support you. I love you. By the way, I love your start."

All these moments and more rushed out as the Williams driver had a mall visit in Abu Dhabi.

The Brazilian termed himself a 'lucky driver' to have enjoyed a lot of incredible moments on the track throughout his career.

"Among the moments are the first time I drove the Formula One car, my first race, first podium and first victory. A dream come true moment for me was winning the Brazilian Grand Prix for the first time in 2006. I won again in 2008 and was fighting for the championship till the last few metres. I won thrice in Turkey, which was fantastic. I had great moments with Williams with second place finish here."

He said he had an amazing career. "I am very lucky to do this type of job. To do what you love to do, what you dream to do. I was very lucky to be enjoying moments in so many different countries and meeting so many people, and doing what I want to do - racing in the best category against the best drivers."

Massa reflected back as to how as a kid how he dreamt of racing at Brazilian Grand Prix and that his final home race was made special by his son Felipinho joining on the team radio.

"It was just amazing to be racing there. It's very special, when you finish the race and you know it is your last time. My son speaking on the radio was very emotional," the 36-year-old said.

Massa also noted the days of struggle when he had no money and always found it difficult to find a sponsor. Struggles and mistakes on the track have made him a better person.

And looking to the Yas Marina Race Day, he said: "Abu Dhabi is a great track. I had some good results here and am looking forward to finish with some good points."

Massa is looking to enjoy his final outing but also eyeing crucial points.

"I had a good race in Brazil and looking to finish same way in Abu Dhabi. We will be trying to keep the fifth spot in constructors' championship. We can do it," said the man who had met with life-threatening accident at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix only to return and challenge the next season.

"My career is finishing one way but starting in another way," Massa noted.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com