My Formula-E party will hopefully start soon: Felipe Massa

HONG KONG: When other eight-year-old kids were building sand castles on the beaches of Sao Paulo, Felipe Massa had already taken his first step towards becoming a professional motorsports driver. Last Sunday, among the drivers in the media zone at the ABB FIA Hong Kong Eprix was that once eight-year-old go-karter, who went on to have a 16-year career in Formula One.
Against the backdrop of the giant wheel adjoining the Victoria Harbour here, a dramatic race saw Massa securing his best place in his debut Formula E season with the Venturi Formula E team, which was co-founded by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio ahead of the inaugural FIA Formula Championship.Interestingly, his final position improved -- going from sixth to fifth -- after a late decision by FIA saw the initial winner Sam Bird being penalised for a collision and dropping to sixth place.
Massa's team-mate, Edoardo Mortara, was then declared the eventual winner, with Audi Sport's Lucas di Grassi second and Envision Virgin Racing's Robin Frijns third.
But for Massa, who had 11 race wins in his Formula One career, the Hong Kong E-Prix was the most satisfying of the five races this year so far.
The first man from Brazil since the legendary Ayrton Senna to win the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix (2006), Massa still maintains the almost cucumber-cool demeanor that saw him drive successfully for Sauber, Ferrari and Williams before announcing last year that he will be moving to Formula E.
His best F1 season finish was with Ferrari, when he finished second in the Drivers' Standings of the 2008 championship.
But it seems the F1 pro is taking a bit of time adjusting to the silent, battery-driven electric cars. Massa is still waiting for his first podium finish in Formula E after five races.
In a special chat following the race last weekend, the 37-year-old talked to TimesofIndia.com about the transition from Formula One to Formula E and what lies in store as far as the future of e-mobility is concerned.
How would you analyse your fifth e-prix?
Everything happened in my race. I had a great start and overtook two cars, maybe even three if I am not wrong, on corner one. Then I arrived at corner three. There was a crazy guy behind, seems one BMW, who just got crazy on the chicane and then he just hit the back of my car completely. I lost maybe 4-5 positions because of that. Thanks to the red flag, they (mechanics) managed to fix the car. My race started from there.

What's your take on your transition from F1 to Formula E?
The transition for me is not the biggest problem. I think I did a creditable job in the qualifying (in Hong Kong), had a great race with great pace. So I think I am getting close to a good level, and I am sure the party will arrive, and victory will arrive, hopefully soon.
Can Formula E challenge F1?
Yes, I think so. If you watch a race in Formula E and watch a race in Formula One, it is fantastic. In Formula E everything happens. Every race, a different guy has won this season. This shows how the championship is and that people want to see it.
You can't compare an F1 car with one in Formula E. But it's not easy driving a Formula E car is it?
I still feel the car is going very fast even if you can't compare it to Formula One. The car has different tyres, the track and grip are completely different. You cannot compare, it's true. But the feeling for a driver in a Formula E car, you feel that you are quick, you feel that it is also difficult (like F1). So it is not an easy thing.
Your take on the e-mobility drive through Formula E
I think the idea is fantastic. There is a mix of everything in Formula E. There's e-mobility, green sport, fantastic races, every time great drivers coming for the championship.
Do you think more F1 drivers will join Formula E in the near future?
The level (of driving in Formula E) is really high and it will keep improving, I am sure maybe all the F1 drivers will come here in the future. It's the right target.