F1: Massa glad to be deciding title at home in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Felipe Massa expects to receive a huge boost from the Brazilian fans in the deciding Formula One race in Sao Paulo next week.

The Ferrari driver said that the crowd expected to pack the Interlagos track for the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 2 will give him an important advantage as he tries to erase a seven-point deficit to overall leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren.

“I’ve always liked racing at home,” Massa said Tuesday after arriving in Sao Paulo. “You can absorb everything positive from the fans and that helps you do your best.”

Massa made his comments just hours after Hamilton said the home advantage will add pressure on the Brazilian driver.

“The pressure from the fans only helps,” Massa said. “It’s always better to have it.”

Massa needs to win the race and hope Hamilton fails to finish in the top five. If Massa is second, Hamilton would need to finish out of the points.

“I will go after the victory, but the title doesn’t depend only on what we do,” Massa said.

Massa won the race in Brazil in 2006. Last year, he was in front again before allowing teammate Kimi Raikkonen to overtake so the Finn could clinch the title over Hamilton.

Hamilton also had a seven-point lead entering the final race last year, but a mistake early in the race and a subsequent gear box problem kept him from finishing better than seventh.

Massa said he will also resort to superstition this year.

“I have a superstition with my underwear, which is the same on Saturday and Sunday,” Massa said. “It’s going to be the same one again.”

Massa commented on reports that Hamilton recently talked with celebrity psychic Uri Geller, saying anyone should do whatever they feel will help.

“It doesn’t help with the driving,” Massa said. “But if it makes you calmer, if it helps your preparation, then it’s valid.”