By Jamie Makin
November 11 2004

SAUBER's Felipe Massa has signed on for next month's Race of Champions - Nations Cup to be held in Paris, France. He will team up with fellow countryman Tony Kanaan who claimed this year's Indy Racing League title for Andretti-Green Racing. This annual event features top racers from around the world and from all disciplines of racing. Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher and Champ Car World Series (CART) champion Sebastien Bourdais will compete with the likes of World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb. Even American NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, winners of the 2002 ROC, will join in the fun. Massa will also have a chance to go up against former SAUBER teammate Nick Heidfeld.

For Massa, this will be his first try at racing the buggies, rally cars and sportscars but he will find himself on equal terms with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher who is making his debut as well. Given equal equipment as the F1 ace, Massa will finally have a chance to truly compete with him.

"I think it has to be my aim to beat Michael Schumacher," Massa proclaimed, "but it is not just about trying to beat him. There will be some other amazing drivers there, like Sebastien Loeb and Jeff Gordon."

Although Massa will be fighting for a win for his Brazilian fans, the event is about having fun and Massa seems to have the right mindset for it. "It's going to be very interesting to drive in the middle of the Stade de France. I say interesting but I have no idea how it is going to be. To be racing for Brazil will be cool. Tony Kanaan is a good friend. We have two open wheel guys so I am not sure how we will do. I hope we can be in the top 3."

The Nations Cup will take place on December 4th and Sauber Speak will be sure to keep you updated on Massa's performance.

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