Massa tips Hamilton to shine in 2007

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes Briton Lewis Hamilton could be the surprise of the year in his maiden Grand Prix season

Hamilton will make his Grand Prix debut in two weeks after being signed as Fernando Alonso's teammate at the McLaren team.

The 22-year-old has won in every series he has taken part in, and last year clinched the GP2 series title before landing his F1 drive.

Massa reckons Hamilton will shine this season, and the Brazilian also expects Renault's Heikki Kovalainen to do well in his debut year.

"I've known Hamilton for a long time and I think he's showed good performance and good style," said Massa. "And I think he's going to be quick and maybe the surprise of the year.

"But for sure, Kovalainen is going to be quick as well; he has a lot of experience."

The Brazilian has also tipped BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica to shine, following the Pole's impressive debut last year.

"I think he's a great driver, for sure," Massa added. "He showed a good performance last year even without so much experience. I'm pretty much sure that he can be a great driver for the future.

"We'll see this year what he's going to do I think he's got a reasonably good car and will be competitive but we'll wait and see."