Massa looking for fresh start after pole

The Ferrari driver, on pole for the second consecutive race, has endured two disappointing races so far, having finished sixth in Australia and fifth in Malaysia.

In Sepang, Massa lost out to the McLarens at the start and then went off the track early on.

Now the Ferrari driver is aiming to redeem himself.

"I think the car is competitive," Massa said. "Today we showed that we have a very quick car even in qualifying and with the same fuel.

"Yesterday showed we had very strong pace on long runs, so so hopefully tomorrow we can start the championship.

"For sure it (Malaysia) was disappointing. Starting in the front row knowing that the car was good, and even if the McLaren was very, very quick, for me it was very disappointing. Hopefully we can show a different result tomorrow."

Massa's pole is his fifth with Ferrari and the second of the year.

"I think we have shown a good speed in the first race, unfortunately we were not showing it in the race, so hopefully we can show that tomorrow," added Massa.

"I think it is very good to b here again and scoring pole for Ferrari, it's definitely very nice for me, so nothing more to say.

"I am happy to be here and try to do the best we can for the race tomorrow because I really need a good result."

Massa's teammate Kimi Raikkonen will start from third place, behind McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and in front of Fernando Alonso, and the Finn reckons the start will be crucial once more.

"I think it is going to be close for sure, but it depends on where we come out of the first corner. That will mean a lot for the race," he said.