Massa welcomes Raikkonen challenge

"It's a new, big challenge for me. I think we'll be a good pairing," Massa told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I've had a fine relationship with Schumi, so I don't see why it shouldn't be the same with Kimi as well. I've never had problems with my teammates and I think this situation won't change.

"We had also been neighbors in Switzerland when I took his place at Sauber."

Massa, Michael Schumacher's teammate this season, will stay at Ferrari at least for two more years after his contract was renewed.

"Obviously it's something I'm proud of," said Massa of his new deal. "For me having been able to be signed by Ferrari was already important; now I've won the faith of the team."

The Brazilian driver, who scored his maiden F1 win in Turkey last month, said he will miss Schumacher next season.

"On one hand we are all sad inside the team because we'll miss Schumi, but on the other hand we're happy the announcement of the retirement came with a victory that throws him right back into the title fight," Massa added.

"See if you can find a driver who doesn't dream of ending his career this way, with the chance of becoming world champion once more."

Massa, however, believes Ferrari will be very strong even without Schumacher at the wheel.

"First of all Michael will stay with us in some way, even though we won't see him at every GP. In any case, with two drivers like us, will be able to win races and maybe world championships too."