Jan.17 (GMM) Felipe Massa is hoping Pirelli is the key to returning to the front in formula one.

The Brazilian had a poor season in 2010 and a repeat this year would almost certainly be his last gasp at Ferrari.

2008 championship runner-up Massa insists his main problem was the Bridgestone tyre, and when he tried the Pirellis for the first time last November he was immediately back on the pace.

"My first contact (with Pirelli) was very positive," the 29-year-old confirmed last week, according to Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo.

"I found the car easier to drive with the front tyres having more grip; I could go into the corners in the way I like to drive," added Massa, referring to the test in Abu Dhabi.

His teammate Fernando Alonso also said the Pirellis are different to the tyres on which he almost won the drivers' championship last year.

According to Italy's Autosprint, the Spaniard said: "We will know more at the next test in Valencia, which will be very interesting.

"My style of driving will definitely have a little change (for 2011)," added Alonso.

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