Ferrari will let me win, says Massa

24-year-old Massa is replacing Rubens Barrichello, who moved to Honda after six seasons in Ferrari, where he was largely considered the number two driver, behind world champion Michael Schumacher.

Asked at the Ferrari launch today at Mugello whether he would also play a supporting role to teammate Michael Schumacher, Massa said: "The ambition is to win at all times. My first aim is to get my first podium and the second is to get my first victory. After that the championship, and then we'll see.

"What's important is to keep your feet on the ground at all times. This is my first opportunity to get in a top team, and it's a great opportunity to get in a top team like Ferrari.

"I'd say a team like this must have both drivers always getting as many points as possible, so I'm sure Ferrari will push for both drivers to have a chance to win and to finish as high as possible, to get points for the championship.

"So I'll try to do my best and will try to get to the top as soon as possible and show what I'm able to do."

Massa said his primary aim is to capitalise on the opportunity of driving for Ferrari, and he admitted he has been lucky to land the drive at such a young age.

"It's a good satisfaction to get in a team like Ferrari at 24 years of age," the Brazilian said. "This has come quicker than I imagined, but the important thing is to be here, and we must concentrate on getting the best possible result.

"In my life I got very quickly to where I wanted: I got to F1 at 21 and did three years of single seaters before that. Things have come quickly, but I'm happy to arrive at Ferrari with a bit of experience as race driver in another team.

"I've also been lucky to be able to do one year as test driver here at Ferrari. I learned a lot and met the people here. I have been well received and I have a good relationship with everyone. It's impressive to get inside Ferrari and see the organization here and the level of work.

"But now it's important to concentrate on having a good first race, and to immediately be competitive."