Observers laud Massa, pan Raikkonen

The fight for the world title may now be down to Massa and Hamilton as Raikkonen's mind appears to be focused on retirement

(GMM) Ferrari at Valencia should have moved one step closer to determining a 'number one' driver to back for the 2008 title, according to observers following the European grand prix.

"La Ferrari e Felipe Massa" (Ferrari is Felipe Massa), the major Italian daily La Stampa declared, after the Brazilian driver overtook in the drivers' standings his teammate and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen with a commanding win at Sunday's inaugural Spanish street race.

Finn Raikkonen's misery at Valencia was compounded by an engine failure, but former Ferrari champion and commentator Niki Lauda has not been impressed with the 28-year-old's driving of late.

Lauda is, however, impressed with Massa's burgeoning form.

"He seems totally focused and motivated. And Kimi is really not with it.

"The world championship is now a duel of Hamilton against Massa," the great Austrian told German newspaper Bild.