Formula One news

Massa plays down difference to Raikkonen

Felipe Massa has played down the fact he has outpaced new team mate Kimi Raikkonen in winter testing and insisted that it's all square as the pair line up favourites for victory in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

"Some people have been making something of the fact that, mostly, I have been fractionally quicker than Kimi, but I do not see it as anything significant," Massa said. "For sure, testing is testing and the racing is racing. But I can say that I am very happy with the way things went. I was very familiar with the car and I know the team personnel and how they all work and everything was going pretty well. Kimi on the other hand was still learning and getting to know the team. Now we will see what happens in Melbourne, as this is the moment that the answer comes."

Massa has been strong in winter testing and improved dramatically last year in a bid to step out of Michael Schumacher's shadow.

"I have been happy to see Michael (Schumacher) at some tests," he added. "I noticed him watching from the track side during the shakedown and of course it is odd to see him no longer in the role of driver. But that's the way it is. It's a new life for him, but he is also doing a great job helping the team on the technical side and also in terms of helping the new organisation of the team. For me it is only a very positive thing to have him there and I am sure that if he comes to some races this season, I will not hesitate to ask his advice in any area I need it and I am sure he will be happy to help me, Kimi and the team. He is important for the team but also for us drivers. We need to learn what is the best way to make use of him and that will evolve during the year."

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