Malaysian GP - Massa press conference - 5th April 19:22pm GMT

Having flown in from the Maldives yesterday, Felipe Massa also went through the usual media ritual and the first question the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver had to deal with concerned the change to the rules regarding measurements on the floor of the car. "I don't think it will affect us at all," he ventured. "We had a car that conformed with the rules, now those rules have changed for everyone so we have made that change and I don't expect it to affect our performance level. I have tested the car here in a configuration that complies with the rule changes and it does not have an effect."

Some of the media seemed keen to invent an "engine reliability problem" for the Scuderia, but Massa was quick to put them right. "Kimi's problem, which in any case is not a major one is not the second engine problem this season, because in Melbourne, my engine was changed simply because it made sense to do so, given my difficulties with the gearbox in qualifying. But there was nothing wrong with my engine. But for this race, I am one hundred percent certain that all the teams have given thought to the fact that this is the second race with the same engine, the first time that happens this season and at the hottest and most humid race of the year."

Last week's test at this circuit was affected by heavy rain and the Brazilian was asked how this might effect Sunday's race if there was a repeat of the heavy showers seen in testing. "As usual, it would be a bit of a lottery if it rains hard, depending on who fits the right tyres at exactly the right time and who does not get it quite so right. But I think we have every possibility to be strong whatever the conditions. We have a strong package - the F2007 is one of the best cars I have ever driven in my life - and the team is strong so I am expecting to have a good race."