WILLIAMS driver Felipe Massa says he is proud of his achievements in Formula 1 ahead of his last Italian Grand Prix tomorrow.

The 35-year-old announced on Thursday he would retire from the sport at the end of the season, ending a 14-year career which has heralded 11 victories.

Massa, who missed out on the 2008 championship by just a point when a Ferrari driver, is in his third campaign with the Grove-based team.

He said: “I have so many great memories over the years.

“My career has been more than I ever expected and I am proud of what I have achieved.”

Massa was 14th fastest in yesterday’s first practice session, with teammate Valtteri Bottas faring better in seventh.

It was a good day for Banbury-based Haas, though, with Romain Grosjean sixth and Esteban Gutierrez ninth.

Manor, also of Banbury, saw Esteban Ocan and Pascal Wehrlein 18th and 20th respectively.

Renault’s Kevin Magnussen was given the all-clear to race at Monza after his horror crash at Spa six days ago.

But the Dane set the slowest lap time in his Enstone-prepared car, while teammate Jolyon Palmer was only one place better in 21st.