Massa: Ferrari not so far ahead

Massa's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen comfortably won from pole position in Melbourne, while the Brazilian had an impressive run through the field to finish in sixth place after starting from the back of the grid, following mechanical problems in qualifying and an engine change.

"We are all on the same planet," said Massa at the end of a four-day test session in Sepang, where next week's Malaysian Grand Prix will take place.

"I can say that we are strong and we are fast, but we need to approach the race just the same as any other competitor. McLaren are also difficult to beat, and BMW are strong as well. We just need to approach it in the same way as them.

"I really don't know what the others are doing, but 100 percent it seems we will be good like in Melbourne."

Asked whether he thinks the gap between teams will remain the same as it was in Australia, Massa replied: "It is difficult to say now, looking at the test. It is not the right way to say things like that. Let's see next weekend.

"At the moment the car is okay on the reliability, and I am okay. I have done many laps in the morning, in hot conditions like 40C, so that is a good sign. It will be okay for the race.

After the Melbourne race Massa went to Brazil to do fitness training in the heat in order to get ready for Malaysia, where the weather is among the hottest of the season for the F1 circus.

"It was important to run in these conditions and it was good to be able to prepare before the race. It is always nice to drive more, but personally I am happy that all the things have gone well. The car is just right. It has been very good, and we will see how good the preparation has been in the race.

"I tested the tyres, the two types that will be used in the race. I also worked on the set up for the weekend, which is normal. There was nothing really special, just the usual preparation."