Felipe Massa says he is an anticipating a special weekend as he prepares for his final home race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Brazilian -- who is retiring from Formula One at the end of this season, 15 years after joining Sauber in 2002 -- spoke of his fond memories of the grand prix in Thursday's drivers' press conference. Massa said he will bow out of his final race at Interlagos with no regrets, having taken two victories at the circuit in 2006 and 2008, as well as a number of podium appearances.
"I think it will be a very special weekend for me, for my last home race," Massa explained. "I remember I was in the grandstand watching and supporting Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, always dreaming to be here, and then I managed to get here and win two races here in Interlagos, getting a lot of times in the podiums, so it's definitely a fantastic place for me.
"I will miss this race when I see these guys racing next year, I will miss to be here but I am so happy and proud for everything. I passed through these 15 years in Formula One, every people that I met, friends, drivers, the competition I had with these guys for quite a long time, so I will miss this place, some nice races around the world but also some friends."
When asked what his fellow drivers are like to compete against, Massa replied: "We are talking about the best drivers in the world. Everybody that gets here gets because of the talent, they are here because of talent, the competition is really high. I think I definitely learned a lot. I think it was an amazing life experience that I had.
"It's not easy to be an F1 driver I would say, but I had a fantastic time. I will always remember them as tough drivers on the track and I would say maybe the relationship in the last [few] year's gets a little bit better outside of the track, which will be even better when all of us stop. I expect the best for them and support them."
Massa insists he will not allow himself to be overcome with emotion during the race as Williams continues its close battle with Force India over fourth place in the constructors' championship, but admits his final lap at Interlagos will be a special moment.
"When you are in the car you don't think about other things, you just think about what you want to do in the best way as you can. I would say the whole race I will be concentrated on my job, trying to get the best race possible and the best result for me and my team, Especially in this moment when it's quite important in this fight with Force India.
"I think maybe when I finish the race, after the chequered flag, I think it will be very special. It will be a very amazing feeling to do the last lap in Interlagos of my career in F1 here. I think during the race just concentrating on everything I need to do but after maybe it will be quite different."