Singapore GP: Felipe Massa reckons no way to help Fernando Alonso

The Brazilian, who learned following the last race at Monza that he would be dropped in favour of Kimi Raikkonen next year, wants to focus on ending his Ferrari career strongly.

He will line up sixth on the grid, one place ahead of Alonso, and reckons Sebastian Vettel's dominance means his own actions will not have an impact on the title race.

"To be honest, what help can I give? Sebastian is starting in first and I think Fernando needs to pray for an issue on Sebastian's car," Massa said when asked if he would continue to support Alonso given his own impending departure from the team.

"It will not be easy to finish in front of him [Vettel] and he [Alonso] needs something to happen to him. I don't think I have a lot to do to be honest, so let's try to do the best race I can.

"I want to finish my final seven races in the best way possible. To be honest, talking from my heart, I don't know if Fernando needs my help."

After struggling with his car's balance in Friday practice, Massa was delighted to outqualify Alonso for the second successive race.

"Yesterday I was struggling massively. I didn't know how to drive the car, I didn't know where to go," he added.

"I didn't have the confidence in the car so we changed it completely for today. It was still not perfect for qualifying but it was good, and the balance was more the way I like.

"I managed to do a great Q3 and put together a great lap."