Admitting that he's grown used to the criticism, Felipe Massa also confesses that he is fully aware that this is a vital time for him and that his run of poor form cannot continue.

While it is highly unlikely Brazilian will be dropped before season end, not unless he delivered a couple of catastrophic performances, Massa is aware that despite Bahrain dominating most of the headlines all eyes will be on him and his performance this weekend.

"I was at Maranello last week," he reveals in his latest blog, "working on the simulator to be as well prepared as possible for the next two races, studying every minute detail relating to what did not work properly in Melbourne and Sepang, to get it right and be ready for China and Bahrain.

"It's a tricky time for me and it cannot go on and I really don't want it to that's for sure. I know there is plenty of criticism of me from the outside, but I'm used to that, as it's certainly not the first time it has happened. I feel the team has faith in me and that's what matters. I am well aware, having been through it many times in the past, that it takes very little for a situation to swing from negative to positive.

"Last year in China, I finished the race in sixth place, but it was only in the latter stages that I was struggling, because on the prime tyre, I could not match the pace I had on the option. A shame, as I remember still lying second on lap 43. I've been on the Shanghai podium twice: on the third step in 2007 and on the second in 2008. It's a track I like: there are many different types of corner and a very long straight where even before the days of DRS, you could overtake. Sure, this year, we will suffer a bit, especially in terms of top speed, therefore it won't be easy for us. However, it's not definite that whoever is fastest wins in the end.

"I really hope I can have a normal Grand Prix without problems, right from Friday," he admitted, "that is fundamental to being able to finally get a good result. I know it won't be easy, also because I don't think we can expect any major new elements, at least in the short term. We will have to try and squeeze every last drop out of what we have, as Fernando has managed to do in both Australia and Malaysia."