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Pat Symonds: 'Felipe Massa quicker than expected'

Pat Symonds praises Felipe Massa's performances since joining Williams last year.

Williams technical chief Pat Symonds believes that Felipe Massa is flourishing at the team following his move from Ferrari last winter.

The Brazilian left the Scuderia to be replaced by Kimi Raikkonen, but Williams outperformed their Italian rival in 2014, beating Ferrari to third place in the constructors' championship.

Symonds has suggested that Massa has proved to be quicker than Oxfordshire-based outfit were expecting him to be during his first 12 months.

He told Autosport: "We all knew Felipe was quick and it wasn't that long ago that he almost won the Championship. I didn't know him very well before he came to us, but he's a great guy and a great team player.

"He was actually quicker than I thought he was [going to be]. I think this is a good example of putting people in the right environment and they will flourish. He's in the perfect place now and I think the team is as well.

"We have given him the freedom that he needed and in return he's absolutely given us credibility, speed and points."

Massa finished seventh in the 2014 drivers' standings.

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Felipe Massa of Brazil and Williams is interviewed in the paddock during previews to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 13, 2014
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