Title contender tired of distractions?

Before each F1 grand prix, all of the drivers are obliged to give a soundbite about the circuit. With a few exceptions (stand up Jenson Button and Nick Heidfeld, both of whom often talk about the city/area they’re visiting) the quotes make for pretty dull reading: “I like the circuit, it has a nice mix of corners and it’s important we get our set-up right blah blah blah etc…”

But Felipe Massa’s preview quote before this Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix made us sit up and take notice. He said:

“I fly to Shanghai on Wednesday and then, the following day I will be attending the Chinese launch of the new Ferrari California road car: it will be the third race in succession that I’ve done this. And then it will be time to get down to work again…”

Sounds like someone is pissed off that his title preparations are being hampered by the burden of Ferrari PR duties. Why would Massa stress that it’s the “third race in succession” where he’s been asked to promote the launch of the California? Because it’s interrupting his preparations, or because Kimi Raikkonen is dodging PR duties? Both, maybe.

Whatever, you’d think Ferrari would excuse Massa from this obligation - he does have other, more important things to focus on, after all.