Ferrari challenge Massa to beat Alonso

Massa finished a close third in Sunday's European Grand Prix, behind championship leader Alonso and race winner and Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher, for his best finish in 58 race starts.

"It would be fantastic if Felipe could take some points away from Fernando," Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn told reporters after the race. "That's a big challenge, but I think there will be occasions. Today he wasn't very far off.

"I think for Felipe, seeing what can be done when the race comes together and everything works well will give him a lot of encouragement."

Massa has plenty of pressure on him, not only as teammate to the most successful driver in Formula One history but also with his future at the Italian team undecided.

He has a one-year contract after replacing compatriot Rubens Barrichello at the end of last season, with Schumacher mulling his future and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen linked strongly to the Maranello team for next year.

The 25-year-old was able to let off some steam at the Nurburgring.

"It was a really great feeling," he said of his first trip to the podium. "Now I am tempted to keep my race suit on. The champagne smells nice."

Solid Job

Brawn agreed that he had done a solid job. "Felipe has done some good performances this year, and today was an excellent drive," he said.

"We need to achieve the consistency with him and his group of people. We're very happy with Felipe, we can see lots of potential and he just needs to develop and work with the team more closely.

"But nothing is instant. We've seen the problems Rubens has had adapting to a new team. It does take drivers and engineers and the whole team a little while to adjust, however good you are.

"Felipe has got a very good attitude and a very good commitment, and I'm sure he's going to do an excellent job. Based on today's performance, it was very encouraging."

Team boss Jean Todt said it was probably not the Brazilian's best race for Ferrari so far, however. That had come in Malaysia, where he finished fifth after starting last on the grid.

"In the third race we made a mistake in the choice of the tyres and fourth race he lost one position during the pitstop and finished fourth. Here he was third so I think he is doing a very good job," he said.

That said, he felt comparisons with Schumacher, Alonso and Raikkonen were slightly unfair.

"We have three drivers in this championship who have something a bit more than all the others. I think Felipe is among the best behind those three," he said.