24 Mar 2009

Massa expects newcomer Brawn GP to be Ferrari's biggest challenger

5:54 pm on 24 March 2009

Felipe Massa expects newcomer Brawn GP to be Ferrari's biggest challenger in the Formula One season - not McLaren.

Brawn GP, the former Honda team, impressed in off-season testing ahead of the opening race in Melbourne on Sunday, while McLaren appear to be struggling with regulation changes.

Starting the latest in testing Brawn GP have still managed to run the second fastest times.

The team seems to be the best adjusted to the rule changes which include the reintroduction of slick tyres, the addition of an energy system whereby energy created under breaking is stored and then used in acceleration and drastic aerodynamic modifications.

Massa has reiterated his surprise at the apparent problems of McLaren, which won last year's drivers' title with Lewis Hamilton.