Massa: New Quali "a Dream"

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MASSA: NEW QUALI "A DREAM"

ITV

New Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has described Formula 1's new knock-out qualifying system as "every driver's dream".

Massa claims that the new format, which splits the session into three parts with the slowest five drivers dropping out of each of the first two 15-minute block, is a much better solution than the single-lap system used since 2003.

"The new qualifying format is a positive move," said Massa in an interview with Ferrari's website.

"For the first two runs at least, the car can run empty, with the minimum amount of fuel on board. This is every driver's dream."

Massa has also welcomed F1's other major rule changes.

"I think that reintroducing tyre changes during races will be useful, above all regarding safety, especially considering the problems of last year," he added.

"Similarly, limiting the performance with the new V8 engines is a good thing. Each year we have been seeing an increase in power that has been difficult to control."

Massa claims that although there is a lack of power in the 2.4-litre V8 engines, he doesn't expect it to effect his driving approach.

"There shouldn't be much change in driving," he explained.

"Probably the speed in taking curves will be lower but we may brake later and so the style we have will be more or less the same.

"What will certainly change is the work of the engineers who will have to find the right balance for the car as the engines will be lighter."

Massa will start the 2006 season in the shadow of his legendary team-mate Michael Schumacher, amid rumours that Ferrari is lining up high profile replacements such as Kimi Raikkonen and Valentino Rossi should the German retire at the end of the year.

But the Brazilian remains undaunted by the prospect of being compared to the seven-time champion and is looking forward to the opportunity of racing alongside Schumacher.

"I have always driven alongside more expert drivers (Heidfeld, Fisichella, Villeneuve), and so it will not be a new experience for me," he said.

"However, it is obvious that, being Michael Schumacher, things are different. Being able to work alongside him will allow me to improve enormously.

"I will have the best reference against which to measure myself."