Massa upbeat about Ferrari's form

With title rivals Renault having their first chance since the start of August to evaluate new parts on their car after the ban on mass dampers, this week's test had been seen as another crucial marker in the title chase.

But after Massa topped the times on two of the three days of the test, he said he was bullish about the work completed.

"What are the feelings we're leaving this test with? Very good," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We've always been very fast and consistent, the tyres behave well, and the overall car-engine-tyres package is very valid. In my opinion we aren't doing badly."

Now that Massa has his maiden victory under his belt, he admits that his focus is fully on the world championship - and helping teammate Michael Schumacher close the 12 points deficit to Fernando Alonso.

"I'm thinking about the championship: there are four races left and I'm far off from the leaders," explained the Brazilian. "I'm happy with helping Michael and the team. If I'm here with my maiden victory in my pocket, it's only thanks to Ferrari."

Next week's Italian GP will also be significant because Ferrari are due to announce their 2007 line-up. Should Michael Schumacher decide to continue, then it could force Massa out of a race drive.

But well aware that many believe Schumacher is planning to hang his helmet up at the end of this year, Massa does not rule out the seven-time champion remaining at Ferrari in some sort of role.

"He'll play football for sure," said Massa about what Schumacher will do once he stops driving. "But since he loves racing so much he could stay in this environment. And then there's his family, his home, his horses..."