Massa sets his sights on podiums in 2017

Felipe Massa is hoping 2017 will bring consistency in performance to Williams and its new FW40, with the Brazilian aiming for podium finishes.

Massa's u-turn at the end of last year, when he reversed his decision to retire following Valtteri Bottas' move to Mercedes, has rejuvenated the 35-year-old's motivation which he is hoping the team's new FW40 will sustain.

"If we can be fighting for better positions, maybe podiums, it's definitely something we would be happy with but it's too early to say," Massa said.

"I really hope that we are more competitive than last year, that we can start the season and finish the season in a better way.

"We are working for that, but it's too early to say, there's so many other teams working and maybe not showing everything so we need to wait until the first qualifying to see what we expect."

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Massa spared no effort to put his new mount through its paces, accumulating on Tuesday mileage equivalent to two and a half races.

In the process, the eleven-time Grand Prix winner took pleasure in driving his new-generation Williams, although he admitted the elevated physical challenge of driving the new machines on the limit

"From a physical point of view it's for sure harder," Massa conceded.

"It's definitely a lot harder than last year. You use your body a lot harder in the corners. But it's much nicer, we have much more grip, you are braking later, corners are much quicker than before.

"From the driver point of view, the enjoyment is a lot nicer, but you work a lot more in the car."

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