Massa confident after resurgence in Sepang qualifying
Saturday, 22 Mar 2008 11:50
Massa feels Ferrari have got back on track in Malaysia
Felipe Massa is confident Ferrari can get their world championship challenge back on track after securing a one-two in qualifying in Sepang.
The Brazilian will start the Malaysian grand prix from pole position ahead of his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen with the two McLarens behind them.
With changeable weather conditions predicted for tomorrow's race Massa said it was important to start from the front row.
Having failed to finish the season opener in Australia Massa was delighted to have out-performed his rivals in Sepang.
"It is very important to start from the front and I hope I can have a good race. We know our car is very competitive over a long run, but it is also clear we face a long tough race. All the same, we can only be confident about tomorrow," said Massa.
Raikkonen also struggled in Melbourne and although he qualified behind his team-mate the defending world champion was pleased to make the front row ahead of rival Lewis Hamilton.
The Finn said: "Of course, I would prefer to have taken pole, but second place is definitely not bad and I am happy that the team got the best result possible."
Hamilton said he could not find a set-up that suited his tyres but hoped to be competitive in the race despite qualifying almost a second slower than Massa.
"There didn't seem to be as much grip in the tyres during the final session, and I just struggled a bit. We have to stay positive though as we are still in a good position and anything can happen in the race."
If rain does affect tomorrow's race then the result could come down to which driver is able to control their car best now that new rules in 2008 have banned electronic driver aids.