Massa: Newcomers could be a danger

Felipe Massa has taken a swing at Formula One's newcomers, saying he fears their lack of pace could prove a danger to others on the track.

This year's Championship will see three new outfits join the Formula One grid; Virgin; Lotus and Hispania Racing.

Of those three only two have tested with Virgin and Lotus taking part in the pre-season action while Hispania Racing has yet to turn a wheel in anger out on the track.

However, even though Virgin and Lotus have a number under their belts, both teams were well off the pace in testing, finishing as much as five seconds behind the front runners on an average day.

And it's because of their lack of pace that Massa fears they could be danger - or at least ruin other drivers' races.

"I hope they won't be a danger," Massa said in an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera, which was reprinted on Ferrari's website.

"There are 6 to 7 teams one second apart while those teams are four seconds behind. It's not good for the sport and not good for them: it's like two different series.

"They'll suffer. And we'll suffer too, when we have them in front of us during qualifying."

As for the fight at the front of the pack, the Ferrari driver reckons Williams could join last year's top four in the race for victories.

"There are many competitive teams: Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, maybe Williams. And we are in there for sure."

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