• Canadian Grand Prix - Qualifying

Massa 'very confident' for race

Felipe Massa's previous best qualifying position this season was sixth © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Report:
• Vettel takes pole ahead of improved Ferraris
  

• Race:
• Canadian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Felipe Massa

• Teams:
• Ferrari

Felipe Massa says he is preparing for mixed weather but is "very confident for the race" after qualifying third for the Canadian Grand Prix.

After three scoreless races Massa responded with his best qualifying performance of the season at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, setting a time just 0.2s slower than pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel. Massa said he was pleased with the way the weekend had gone, and that he was expecting to be even more competitive in race trim, but that the weather had to be accounted for.

"It's been a great weekend so far," Massa said. "We have always been competitive and finally we will be able to start from a good grid position. Tomorrow, the weather could be different and therefore we must be ready to tackle any eventuality. I have been happy with the way the car is handling right from yesterday and I am very confident for the race.

"The team is working well and we really hope we can put an end to this run of negative results. The fact the gap to the Red Bull is smaller here is encouraging, also for the future. We know that at this track, the race is very difficult, but also, from what we have seen so far, our car is more competitive in the race than in qualifying."

Massa said he would be targeting a place on the podium at least, but that he expected McLaren to be more competitive than it had been in qualifying.

"I expect McLaren will be very strong tomorrow as will be the Red Bulls obviously. A podium would be a great result, fighting for the win would be even better. What will happen if it rains? That's a good question, because this year we have never had a real opportunity to run in the wet. On top of that, at this track, the slightest slip up carries a very high price, therefore it's important to be very careful."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.