Massa blames problems with medium tyres for Abu Dhabi GP struggles

The Brazilian had been forced to revert to an older specification of front wing following practice at the Yas Marina circuit, after encountering some dramatic flapping on the main straight like he had suffered at the Indian GP.

That switch cost him some performance, and then matters were not helped in the race when he admitted that his car was difficult to drive on the medium compound tyres - which resulted in a late-race spin.

The time lost there cost him any chance of finishing ahead of Mark Webber in their fight for fourth position.

"The biggest problem was the hard tyres, and for me that was one of the most difficult problems, the biggest problem, I had during the race," said Massa.

"I had reasonable pace compared to these other guys with these soft tyres, fighting with them all the time and then, when I put the hard tyres on, it was very difficult.

"The tyres were not working, then I had to push all the time as well, just to see if I was able to be in front of Mark [Webber]. Then I braked a bit too much, I lost the rear and then I could not stay on the track."

Talking about the wing situation, Massa said: "I tried the front wing on Friday and it was shaking too much. Both front wings I tried and I was not able to use, and that was a big problem because I lost a lot of performance compared to the other car.

"That was another part of the problem during the race. Anyway I am looking forward for Brazil to have the car with the best pieces and everything we have in the season, and I will try to do a better weekend in Brazil."