No pressure on Massa

Ferrari have dismissed speculation that pressure is growing on Felipe Massa to start performing.

Rumours are rife that the Brazilian driver's seat at the Scuderia is in danger after he failed to finish the opening two races of the season in Australia and Malaysia.

However, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo insists they are happy with Massa.

"Felipe Massa is absolutely not under any scrutiny," Di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In fact, we at Ferrari have the best driver pairing in the world. I expect a great race from Felipe in Bahrain, after his wonderful qualifying session in Malaysia."

Di Montezemolo says the team's brilliant performance in Malaysia came as no surprise after their dismissal start to the 2008 campaign in Melbourne.

"I expected that, and I'm convinced we have an exceptional team and a competitive car," he said.

"This is not a competition between singles and married people: it will be a big challenge because the greatest car manufacturers in the world are in it.

"I'm very confident, also because I know there is a nice development program for the car."