Massa cannot wait for Sunday

The Brazilian, whose previous best was seventh in Hungary and Austria 2002, qualified in fourth place in Shanghai as developments to the C23 and progress by its Bridgestone tyres helped the team deliver its best qualifying performance of the season. Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella qualified seventh.

And with the track conditions likely to improve in Sunday's race, Massa is optimistic that he can do even better and maybe grab the first podium finish of his F1 career.

"P4 is really good!" said Massa. "For me it was almost a perfect qualifying session. The new Bridgestones worked so well straight away, and I was able to drive a lap without any graining.

"If it was this good for me in qualifying, I know that it can be stronger still when the track is in even better condition tomorrow, so I'm looking ahead to a competitive race. This is a fantastic result for the team, which just keeps growing and growing. It's a tribute to the work Bridgestone has done, but also to all the guys back in the wind tunnel in Hinwil and the crew here in China."

Massa's performance will come as a major boost to Jacques Villeneuve, who has already agreed to join Sauber for 2005.