• Monaco Grand Prix

Massa gets 'the right feeling'

Felipe Massa kept his team-mate Fernando Alonso honest for much of the race © Sutton Images

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• Report:
• Webber notches second Monaco win
  

• Race:
• Monaco Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Felipe Massa

• Teams:
• Ferrari

Felipe Massa explained that his improved performance in Monaco was down to having "the right feeling" in his Ferrari.

Having been under pressure going in to the weekend, Massa delivered a strong performance across all three days, eventually finishing the race in sixth position just 6.1s behind the winner. Speaking after the race, Massa said having a car that is easier to drive had helped him be competitive, but warned the team must learn why the car was working so well.

"It was a good race," Massa said. "I felt comfortable with the car right from the start of Thursday's free practice. I had the right feeling and it was much easier to drive than at the previous races. Maybe it depends on the nature of the track or the set-up and we definitely need to analyse everything carefully to see what we can learn from this weekend."

Despite being pleased with his showing, Massa admitted finishing sixth was not his target and that he would be looking to improve even further.

"All things considered, I could have brought home a better result, but I am happy nevertheless. It was a very difficult race and very close and I was able to match the pace of the leaders. I am only sorry I was unable to do a few laps with a clear track ahead of me when the tyres were still competitive. The start was very good and also the tyre degradation, especially on the Soft compound was minimal.

"A driver always wants to do the maximum so I can't be delighted with sixth place, however these are important points. I really hope my championship has turned around and that, from now on, I can always be in the fight for the top places, as was the case here in Monaco. "

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.