Taking part in a promotional event in Warsaw, Felipe Massa admitted that if Ferrari has one weakness this year it is its qualifying performance.

"Overall, it's been a positive start," he said of the first five races of the season, which has seen the Brazilian, in particular, and his team, make a dramatic return to form. "In some races we did very well, while in others, Bahrain for example, we had a few problems which cost us valuable points.

"We have seen an all-round improvement this year, from the car to the way the team works and we have shown we are competitive," he continued, " but clearly we can still improve, especially in qualifying. We are well aware of this and working towards that goal."

Looking ahead to next weekend's race in Monaco, he said: "I like the track a lot, partly because it's my second home race, given I live there. You are always on the limit, very close to the barriers, with no room for error.

"Grid position is much more important than at any other track and so we hope we can do well right from Saturday. My aim is very simple, to always be in the fight for a podium finish.

"The tyres? We must try our best with what we are given, that's it. In Spain, we won with a four stop strategy, but it's definitely not the first time something like that has happened…"

Asked about the event in Warsaw, which saw the Brazilian driving an F60 as part of Shell's launch of its V-Power Nitro+ fuel on the Polish market," he said: "It's nice to drive close to the crowds, seeing the people waving to you and taking thousands of photos as you pass by in the car. At events like this, of course you are not on the limit, but you are still having fun and putting on a show for the people who have come to see you.

"I've already done an event like this in Rio De Janeiro before the start of the season and now here we are in Poland. Events like this are good for our sport, bringing it closer to an audience that maybe knows little about Formula 1 or doesn't have the opportunity to see it live. In Warsaw, I found a lot of enthusiasm and the people are very open and polite and it's a shame I can't spend more time here. Maybe I can come back some other time and stay longer!"