Zoom Massa has dominated the last three Grand Prix at Istanbul Park

After a troubled start to the season, Ferrari has recently made gains and last time out in Monte Carlo, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa chased the Brawn Mercedes duo home to finish third and fourth.

The team has further updates to the F60 package this weekend with modifications to the aero package, including an update to the double-decker diffuser. However, while Ferrari has made gains, Brawn GP remains firm favourites according to Kimi Raikkonen.

"Ferrari always went very well at the Turkish GP over the last three years, but this time Brawn GP is the great favourite, because they won five out of the six races so far," Raikkonen said. "We’re closing the gap, but we’ve got to give it our all to get back in the lead."

"The Monaco weekend was a step forward as far as the result is concerned, but we have to be patient," the 2007 champion continued. "I know that our fans want to see us winning immediately, but we have to be realistic. We’re closer, that’s for sure, and we’ll have some updates in Turkey; but we know that the others work hard too."

Felipe Massa has a most impressive record at Istanbul Park as the Brazilian took victory in 2006, 2007 and 2008. With Raikkonen taking the win back in 2005 while with McLaren Mercedes, no other driver has won the Grand Prix. Massa is hoping that he will be in a position to challenge for the win once again.

"I have a very good record in Istanbul, having won for the last three years starting from pole position each time," Massa said. "I find it difficult to explain why I should be so strong here, other than the fact we had three fantastic weekends in Turkey, when everything worked perfectly, with the car performing very well right from the first session."

"It would be nice to carry on in the same direction," Massa continued. "For Istanbul, we will have another small step in terms of aerodynamic development, which should improve the car still further and that is down to a big push from the guys in the factory. We want to continue to improve as quickly as possible, to try and win some races. If will be fantastic if we find we are in a position to fight for the win in Turkey."

The Monaco result has helped propel Ferrari to fourth position in the constructors’ championship with 17 points.

Earl ALEXANDER
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