Massa writes off title hopes

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Felipe Massa has written off his title chances for this year in the wake of another bitterly frustrating race with Ferrari.

Massa at least ended his worst start to a Formula One season with a sixth-placed finish in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

But it was not without its issues as Massa was ordered to slow down during the closing stages to conserve fuel otherwise there was the threat he would run out.

From a relatively comfortable fourth, Massa was passed by Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull at the start of lap 63, and then on the last lap by Renault's Fernando Alonso.

Although he has three points in the bag, he now trails championship leader Jenson Button by 38, too many as far as he is concerned.

"I don't think this year, maybe next year," replied Massa when asked if he could still fight for the championship.

"We have so many problems to solve, firstly to improve the car, and then with all the problems we had in the race and with those during the season.

"Brawn have now won four times in five races. How can you fight? Even if we improve the car massively, it doesn't mean they will not score points."

When questioned as to whether it was over, he said: "For us I think yes. I think so.

"But it doesn't mean we will not fight for victory. If we carry on like that we can fight for victories."

Massa's problem stemmed from the fact all the fuel at his second stop did not make its way inside the car, with that matter to now be investigated by the team.

"It's frustrating because after a great qualifying and great race, we lost a great opportunity to score good points, but we didn't because of an issue," added Massa.

"But for the fuel problem I could have certainly stayed ahead of Vettel and Alonso. It meant the final part of the race was a pain.

"I was already struggling on the harder tyres and then I had to try and save fuel as much as possible, while at the same time staying ahead of Vettel.

"Then the team told me if I wanted to make it to the finish I would have to let Vettel by and slow down a lot.

"If I had made another pit stop I would have finished out of the points.

"It's a real shame to have lost two places in the final stages, even if we've finally made it to the scoreboard."

To add to Ferrari's woes, Kimi Raikkonen retired on lap 18 with a hydraulic problem.