• Monaco Grand Prix - Qualifying

Massa 'finally having fun' in the F2012

Felipe Massa was quickest in Q2 but couldn't match his time in Q3 © Press Association

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• Report:
• Schumacher takes Monaco pole before penalty
  

• Race:
• Monaco Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Felipe Massa

• Teams:
• Ferrari

Felipe Massa said that he is "finally having fun" in his Ferrari this weekend after qualifying seventh for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Having been competitive during all three practice sessions - Massa looked committed as he set the fastest time during Q2 in Monte Carlo. In Q3, however, he was unable to replicate that pace as he was actually 0.1s slower than he had gone the session before. Massa admitted that he was slightly disappointed not to be starting higher, but was pleased to finally feel comfortable in the car.

"It was a good qualifying and I could definitely have done even better than this seventh place: fifth was within my reach, given what we saw in Q1 and Q2," Massa said. "Unfortunately, in Q3 I did not manage to get a perfectly clean lap because of traffic, but that's an easy thing to find here. Having said that, I am very happy with how things have gone in this Grand Prix so far. Finally, I am having fun at the wheel of the F2012: clearly the set-up we have chosen here makes it much easier to make the most of its potential. It's a point to keep in mind for the rest of the championship too."

Massa added that although the car was still weak on traction, he hoped his newfound confidence would continue from this point onwards.

"We still struggle a bit in the places where traction is crucial, which can easily be seen by comparing our car, corner by corner with the best ones, however in this area too we have made progress. Michael did a great lap and I congratulate him: a shame that he will then find himself very close to me on the grid tomorrow afternoon. Let's hope we have a good race tomorrow and that a new championship can really get underway for me!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.