Massa hopeful on 2007 title chances

Massa, a one-time winner following his victory at the Turkish Grand Prix this season, will be joined by the Finn in 2007 after Michael Schumacher retires at the end of the year.

Although Ferrari have usually favoured Schumacher in the championship, Massa believes Raikkonen's arrival will give him the chance to fight for the crown.

"Next year with Raikkonen I won't be the team leader, just the more experienced driver at Ferrari," Massa told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's the big chance of my career: there comes another young driver who wants to win, like me.

"It's no surprise Kimi is one of the fastest drivers in F1, but I'll try to prepare at best, so that I can use my greater experience at Ferrari to win races and for the championship too. I'll have my chances too."

Massa said he would like Schumacher to stay involved with Ferrari, although the team are still uncertain about the German's role.

"The more he stays involved the best it would be for everyone, maybe even by doing some testing," he added. "But we don't know what he thinks about that, he hasn't spoken to me about it yet. Would he be useful on the pitwall? No, I'd rule that out.

"Not for a lack of abilities, but because I don't believe he wants to keep coming to the track at every GP. Otherwise he would have carried on racing."

The Brazilian driver was thankful to Schumacher and claimed he will do everything possible to help the seven-time champion secure another crown this year.

"I owe him plenty. For me he's been a friend, an example, he taught me a lot, and I've sensibly improved since I've been teamed with him. I'll do everything so that he wins the title. He'll win it because he's great and I see him 100% motivated."