Highlights

Massa engine change deals blow to Ferrari

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-09-29 21:28

SHANGHAI, Sept 29 - Brazilian Felipe Massa will lose 10 places on the Chinese Grand Prix starting grid after an engine change in Friday practice dealt a blow to Ferrari's constructors' title hopes.

Ferrari are just three points clear of Formula One champions Renault with three races remaining.

"This was not a good day for me," said Massa, who sat out the day's opening practice session and then suffered the engine problem in the afternoon that led to the unscheduled change.

"It's a shame as the car seemed to be well balanced right from the start and I had been able to do some good times," added the Brazilian, a first-time winner in Turkey last month.

"Of course dropping 10 places on the grid will make my race much tougher, but I believe I can still put in a good performance."

Massa's team mate Michael Schumacher is fighting world champion Fernando Alonso for the drivers' title with the German two points adrift of his Renault rival.