Testing is not racing - Massa

Felipe Massa was the first driver to represent Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at an official FIA press conference when he faced the media in today's meeting at the Albert Park track. Massa hopes to continue in the same direction as winter testing during the first Grand Prix of the season.

"Last year was a great experience, learning to fight at the front of the field," said the Brazilian as he was first asked how he had changed since the 2006 season. "But I still expect to improve race by race." The strong performance and high mileage covered by the F2007 this winter has put the Scuderia in the position of favourite in the eyes of the media, but Massa played down these suggestions. "We got stronger and stronger during the winter, ending with the Bahrain test and so of course there are high expectations," he commented. "So I hope we can continue in the same direction especially here in the first race. But racing is different to testing so we must wait and see."

While good testing is prompting the press to build up the Scuderia's chances, they have portrayed as negative the departure of Schumacher, Brawn and Martinelli. Again, Felipe chose to disagree: "It is a big change, however the people who have new responsibilities now had important positions last year. The same people have built the F2007 who built last year's car, and I trust the engineers and I trust the team."

Massa was also keen to dismiss the idea that he will be quicker than his new team-mate. "Again, I say testing is not racing. Kimi is a very quick and strong driver and I expect him to be a very tough competitor, while we work as a team to get the best out of the car. I do not feel I am favourite to win the title and I never will. I just want to do my job day by day. Things can change very quickly in F1 and there are seventeen races to go, so I am just planning to keep my feet on the ground and work hard."