Massa: F2008 addresses '07 weaknesses

The longer wheelbase F2007 struggled last year against rivals McLaren on the tighter, slower circuits, and the team's decision to shorten their car for 2008 is aimed at addressing this area.

Speaking during a break in testing at Jerez in Spain, Massa said that early impressions of the car were that it was just as good as the F2007 in quick corners, but much better in the slower bends.

"The car is definitely good for me: we've made a step forward especially in the slow corners," said Massa. "As for the quick corners, the car is pretty good as it was last year too. So I think we've improved the car a bit in that aspect.

"With this car it's a bit easier to be without traction control. We had a good feeling on the kerbs at the chicane here, so I'm happy from the start about the car's balance. We didn't have to work so much on the car to get good lap times, so it's definitely positive."

Despite his optimism about the improvements, Massa still thinks it is too early to say with confidence that the car will have no weak areas - and that the true verdict on the job the team have done will only come in Australia.

"I think at the moment we haven't seen weak points on the cars," he said.

"Obviously we'll find some if we aren't ahead at the first race, but at the moment we're on the right track.

"Not only we are running consistent laps without problems on the car, but we are also setting good lap times.

"So at the moment we are happy but not content yet: we still need to work to be even quicker at the first race."