Massa guns for top 10 grid spot in Oz

Massa, who was second fastest to team-mate Nick Heidfeld in testing at Barcelona yesterday (Thursday), will bid to outdo his predecessor Kimi Raikkonen, who only qualified 13th for last year's Australian Grand Prix for Sauber but came through to finish sixth.

"I think I can qualify in the top 10," Massa told Autosport.com. "It's very important that I finish the race, so I will push for that because I need the experience."

The 20-year-old Brazilian is upbeat about his chances after the new Sauber C21 set some quick lap times in testing. On his first day in the car last week, he was just one tenth slower than Raikkonen in the 2002 McLaren-Mercedes.

"We have more power, we have much more grip and the car is more stable," he said of the C21. "It gives me a lot more confidence to drive it quickly. It has been a really good start to the year."

Massa has promised to curb his over exuberance which caused him to spin five times while testing the old Sauber earlier this year at Barcelona. He says this was all part of the learning experience, and that he has got it out of his system.

"I made some mistakes in the beginning but I haven't spun since," he added. "Now I know I don't have to drive on the limit in tests. It's better to keep some tenths in my pocket and pull them out for qualifying. I'm learning so much and gaining experience as I go."