Massa enjoying 'fantastic' moment

Massa pipped teammate and title contender Michael Schumacher by 0.377 seconds at the Istanbul Park circuit. It was Ferrari's fourth front row sweep of the year.

"Definitely it is a fantastic moment for me," said Massa, who has joined Ferrari this season.

"The first pole is always much more important than the others. When you get it the first time you are really, really happy. The team is doing a great job, I won't forget this moment.

"Turn Eight is really a challenge for everyone here, with so many cars going off, and there are a lot of bumps inside the corner, it is a very difficult corner, a big challenge. I did a good job there this time and at other corners so got my lap."

Massa, still searching his first victory in Formula One, believes the race is likely to be hard, but the Ferrari driver is upbeat about his chances after seeing his team's pace.

"Sure it will be a very tough race, a very tough start especially, but it is good to be in front, it's good to have both cars in front, good to have a consistent pace in the race and good to see Ferrari are very strong," the Brazilian added.