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MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO - Ferrari's Felipe Massa cannot afford to comfort eat after his disappointing 2010 season as he believes his slight frame could be his biggest advantage in this F1 season.
The Brazilian, who trailed home sixth last year, reckons innovations in the sport partly aimed at increasing overtaking mean a low body weight could be extra important.
"Every kilo is important in 2011. Fortunately I'm maybe the lightest F1 driver," he told a news conference on Thursday at Ferrari's annual ski retreat.
The only downside of this year's new gadgets, such as the unfamiliar moveable rear wing and the return of the KERS energy recovery system which gives a boost of speed, is the increase in the number of buttons on the steering wheel.
"It's true we have so many things to do on the steering wheel and it's also true we still need to drive the car," said Massa, who has worked on the new steering wheel since mid-2010.
"For sure we can do it but from a driver point of view it's not fantastic. Everywhere you go you have three, four buttons to press, especially with KERS. It's going to be too much definitely but it's like that and we need to adapt very quickly."
Massa does not feel this year is a test for his Ferrari future after last year's troubles, which he blamed on tyres.
"I feel every year you start from zero," he said eyeing the Feb. 1-3 tests in Valencia and the first race in Bahrain on March 13.
The Brazilian, who trailed home sixth last year, reckons innovations in the sport partly aimed at increasing overtaking mean a low body weight could be extra important.
"Every kilo is important in 2011. Fortunately I'm maybe the lightest F1 driver," he told a news conference on Thursday at Ferrari's annual ski retreat.
The only downside of this year's new gadgets, such as the unfamiliar moveable rear wing and the return of the KERS energy recovery system which gives a boost of speed, is the increase in the number of buttons on the steering wheel.
"It's true we have so many things to do on the steering wheel and it's also true we still need to drive the car," said Massa, who has worked on the new steering wheel since mid-2010.
"For sure we can do it but from a driver point of view it's not fantastic. Everywhere you go you have three, four buttons to press, especially with KERS. It's going to be too much definitely but it's like that and we need to adapt very quickly."
Massa does not feel this year is a test for his Ferrari future after last year's troubles, which he blamed on tyres.
"I feel every year you start from zero," he said eyeing the Feb. 1-3 tests in Valencia and the first race in Bahrain on March 13.