News Features - The 2007 Formula One season so far.

The 2007 Formula One World Championship is certainly turning out to be an exciting one. Following an eventful first race of the European season in Spain three drivers, including Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, find themselves separated by only three points at top of the Drivers’ World Championship leader board. Following some stunning performances offset by a bit of bad luck, Kimi Räikkönen is close behind in fourth and ready to fight for more victories.

At the season opener in Melbourne, Australia on March 18, Räikkönen put in a commanding performance to take the first win of the season, at what was only his debut race for the team. Fortune was not so kind to Felipe Massa; after an impressive period of winter testing arguably dominated by the Brazilian, the weekend in Melbourne was a frustrating one. Technical problems during qualifying saw him start the race from the back of the grid. Despite these set backs it was a determined performance and having fought his way through the field he finished sixth and in the points.

A disappointing race in the sweltering conditions of Malaysia saw Ferrari take position 3 and 5, but collect some welcome and valuable points. Nevertheless it was not long before Massa´s moment finally arrived. Bahrain was a strong race for Ferrari, not only did Massa seal the win with a lights to flag performance; team mate Räikkönen crossed the line in P3 becoming joint leader of the points table.

The Circuit de Catalunya in Spain hosted a mixed race for Ferrari. Räikkönen’s race ended at lap nine after an electrical failure saw him retire to the garage. Massa on the other hand, led the race from pole position and deservedly brought home maximum points for the second time in a row. This topped off a brilliant weekend for the Brazilian, who notched up his sixth career pole and set the new fastest lap record.

With Ferrari starting four out of four races from pole, standing on top of the podium on three out of four occasions and setting three fastest laps, the team will be even more determined to dominate the podium in future and Shell will, as always, be there to support them by providing optimised fuel and lubricant products.

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