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Qualifying improvement crucial for Ferrari - Massa

Felipe Massa: "Qualifying is still our weak point" © Sutton Images

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Felipe Massa has admitted qualifying is still Ferrari's "weak point", but says the team is acting upon it ahead of the final two races of the season.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who is currently leading the drivers' title, has taken two pole positions and has qualified on the second row or higher at the last four races. However, Red Bull has taken 14 pole positions this season and locked out the front row at the last two grands prix. Massa, who believes it is possible for Ferrari to take the constructors' and drivers' titles, said Ferrari needs to improve its single-lap pace in order to stay competitive.

"Looking at the championships, it is still possible for the team in the constructors' and Fernando has moved into the lead in the drivers', so we are in with a fighting chance," he said. "We still need to work hard to prepare for the final two rounds and clearly, we know we must try and improve our performance on Saturday afternoons. Qualifying is still our weak point, although you have to take into account how strong the Red Bulls are over one lap."

He said Ferrari had improved its car over recent races.

"Even during the difficult time, we were able to improve the car, working in the right direction and the result is that the F10 got stronger race by race, even if I missed out on getting a good points score for the team until Korea."

The Brazilian added that he is looking forward to his home race and is confident Ferrari can put up a good fight at Interlagos, even though Red Bull's Mark Webber eased to victory there last year.

"I can now look forward to not having to fly anywhere for a while as the next race is in my home town," he added. "Last year it's true, Red Bull was very strong and won the race in Brazil, but in the years before then, Ferrari had been the strongest team, from 2006 to 2008, with our car going very well at Interlagos. I love racing here and can't wait to get out on track in front of my home fans."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.