Felipe Massa insists Ferrari has made a step forward with its latest set of upgrades but is not expecting to be challenge the front runners during this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.
Ferrari has a new front wing, rear wing, brake ducts and modifications to the floor this weekend in the hope of closing the gap to Red Bull and McLaren. Massa, who set the sixth fastest practice time on Friday, believes there has been an improvement but said the full extent would only be evident in qualifying.
"From what I could see, we have made a step forward in terms of performance, but we are not yet close enough to the best," he said. "It is always difficult to say how much progress one has made after just two free practice sessions: we will have to wait for qualifying to get a clearer picture.
"We are working very hard to catch up and I think we are on the right road, but the others are definitely not standing still. For example, Mercedes seems to have made a significant step forward here.
Deputy technical director Pat Fry admitted the success of the new parts had been mixed.
"Some of the new elements, like the rear wing for example, immediately showed good results, while others, such as the floor and the front wing, still need further careful evaluation."
After a wet first practice session Massa said more rain would play into Ferrari's hands.
"Would I prefer a wet race? Sure, if it turns out we are not competitive then the rain would open up more possibilities, but it could also go well in the dry and it does seem as though the weather is improving. This is a very demanding circuit, but I really like driving here because there are so many different types of corner."
Source: ESPNF1
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