Ferrari's Massa predicts dramatic year in Formula One

Updated on: 29 March,2009 07:41 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Ferrari's Massa fears this year's title race could be over by mid-season following the new entrants' stunning start

Ferrari's Massa fears this year's title race could be over by mid-season following the new entrants' stunning start

Brawn GP's Jenson Button is ecstatic after winning the qualifying for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park racetrack in Melbourne on Saturday. pic/AP

Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello secured a one-two finish in a qualifying session for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix dominated by the Briton and the Brazilian.

The team are confident their controversial rear diffuser is legal, and that an appeal of a stewards' decision ruling in their favour on Thursday will be rejected at a court hearing on April 14 in Paris.

If that is the case, it means the remaining teams will be playing catch-up, by which time Brawn GP could be out of sight.

After qualifying seventh for Ferrari, Massa said: "The difference between third and myself (0.2secs) is quite small, but it was a big difference to the guys in front (0.8secs).

"If they carry on like that they will win the championship in the middle of the year."

But Massa, runner-up in last year's title race to Lewis Hamilton, is confident his team will show strength and resilience. "I believe and trust my team," added the Brazilian, who will start from seventh on the grid on Saturday.

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