Ferrari boss expects stronger race

Felipe Massa could manage no better than third, with Kimi Raikkonen starting fifth, to leave the Italian team facing an uphill battle to beat their title rivals in the race.

But with the F2007 often proving quicker on long runs than in qualifying, di Montezemolo is hoping that things get better tomorrow.

"It has not been a great result, but they did tell me we would have problems here," he was quoted as saying on Gazzetta dello Sport's website.

"Let's hope we'll do well tomorrow. It will be a long race. Throughout the year Ferrari have demonstrated great strength in the race, more than in qualifying. Let's hope it'll get better."

Di Montezemolo also said he hoped the 'truth' would come in next week's FIA hearing into the McLaren spy saga.

"This is an ugly story, we take note of this meeting," he said. "The important thing is that the truth will come out in the interest of the sport and Ferrari's."