Felipe Massa believes it would be a mistake to allow the use of the movable rear wing on both straights of the Sepang circuit this weekend.
Although the plan is currently believed to be for the DRS (Drag Reduction System) to be used only on the main straight, there is still no confirmation from the FIA on whether it will also be allowed on the back straight, which is longer and therefore offers a better chance of passing. Massa reckons the move to allow the DRS on both straights could actually be detrimental for the show, as it would make overtaking too easy.
"With the movable rear wing, the situation will be interesting here, because for the moment, the plan is to be allowed to use DRS during the race on the straight in front of the pits, but at Sepang, the straight that runs back the other way is actually longer," said Massa. "It is also true that it would offer a higher chance of overtaking. So, we are waiting for the final decision from the FIA to see if we use DRS on the front straight, the back one or both.
"The right decision could make the race more interesting for drivers and the spectators, too. Personally, I am not sure that allowing DRS on both straights is the best option, because I think it might actually make overtaking too easy. You have to get the right balance between helping the chances of overtaking and having almost too much passing.
"At Sepang, the two straights follow one another, so if you are quicker than the car ahead, you might not even try and pass on the first straight, preferring to get well prepared and as close as possible, before then having a simple overtaking move on the second straight."
Massa also insisted Ferrari had worked hard to be stronger in Malaysia following a disappointing start to the season.
"No one at Ferrari was satisfied with our overall performance, nor the final result of the Australian Grand Prix and much work has gone into understanding why that race did not live up to our expectations and then to plan how to move forward this weekend."