Felipe Massa admits difficult start to F1 season has hurt

The Brazilian cancelled plans to return home after the Malaysian Grand Prix so he could spend time this week at Ferrari's factory, to undertake a detailed analysis of the first two races.

And after running through matters with race engineer Rob Smedley plus technical director Pat Fry, he wrote on Ferrari's official website on Thursday that he believed there was cause to feel positive about the future.

"I am disappointed, there is no denying it: not scoring any points in two races hurts, but now it's time to turn the page," he said.

"It's the not the first time I've gone through a difficult moment like this and I know well that things can change quickly, but now is the moment to do my utmost because I want this negative period to come to an end.

"I want things to return to normal, to a situation in which I can show my talent as I have always done and as the team knows I can do."

Massa says he has also been boosted thanks to the support of his Ferrari bosses, who have spoken in public about their support for him.

"I was very happy to read and hear what was said by President Montezemolo, our boss Stefano Domenicali and my team-mate Fernando," he explained.

"Their words did not come as a surprise, because I know I can count on the support of what is a real second family for me, which is what Ferrari has been to me for all these years.

"I feel there is confidence around me, that the team is united in its support for me and that is very important. Now I want to transform that into results to pay back all this support."

Massa will spend the weekend at his apartment in Monaco before returning to Maranello next week for further engineering meetings and to spend time in the simulator.