A retirement dropped him out of the points battle in Melbourne but that promise paid dividends in Sepang with an eighth-place finish.

Massa now wants to build on that display in the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix.

He said: “Having scored the team’s first point in 2004 in Sepang, I’m looking forward to gaining some more in Bahrain.

“I have heard that the Bahrain circuit is really nice, and it’s new for everyone so it will be really interesting this weekend.

“We’ll all have to learn the track at the same time. We have made a simulation for the track, of course, but we cannot be absolutely sure of the set-up, so there will be much work to do on Friday.”

Fisichella’s reputation has taken a dent after two timid displays in a car Massa has proved can compete in the top 10 but the Italian approaches this weekend in confident mood.

Fisichella was talked of as a potential Ferrari driver in pre-season, with a move to Sauber – who have close links to the Italian world champions – seen as the ideal proving ground.

Things have yet to click for the Roman though, and he is hoping his stock increases in Bahrain.

“I have no idea quite what to expect in Bahrain,” he said. “But I enjoy going to new countries and cities, and of course to new F1 circuits.

“I have heard that there are some good places to overtake on the Bahrain International Circuit, though it could be a bit slippery, like Zandvoort in Holland.

“I am quite happy with the way the Sauber has been progressing, and we are continuing to learn a lot about the car. So I’m hoping that we can qualify and race well here.”