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Felipe Massa is convinced Ferrari will be back on the podium this weekend as he believes the Monaco Grand Prix will prove a turning point in the team's turbulent year.
After making the worst start to a Formula One season in his career, Massa finally ended his points duck with a sixth-placed finish in Spain nine days ago.
But even that was beset with problems as the Brazilian was ordered to slow down during the closing stages to conserve fuel as he faced the threat of running out.
It was a setback that immediately prompted Massa to concede he had no chance of winning this year's world title, a statement he has since retracted.
Instead, despite trailing championship leader Jenson Button by 38 points, Massa has now gone on the offensive ahead of F1's showpiece event in Monte Carlo.
"After the Spanish GP I read that I've raised the white flag for this season - this is not the case and I want that to be clear," asserted Massa.
"Obviously the situation in the Championship is very difficult, and it is quite realistic to say that catching up seems to be almost impossible, but that doesn't mean we've given up.
"We'll continue working on the car and will give it our all to win races and finish the Championship the best way possible. We showed last year we're not a team that gives up when there are negative results.
"I will fight and push with the whole team to improve things race by race. The time for a comeback always comes, and I'm certain it will - today more than ever - both in the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships."
As far as Massa is concerned, the time for that comeback will be on Sunday around the streets of the Principality.
"I really think the Monte Carlo race can be the turning point in our season," added Massa.
"After a start to the season we didn't expect, we've improved a lot, especially in the last race when we took some steps forward.
"For all these reasons I believe in the first podium of the season, and also in our recovery."
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