elipe Massa is continuing to tiptoe around the topic of whether his Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen should fall in line to fully back his 2008 championship charge.

Raikkonen, the reigning world champion, slumped to 21 points behind the title lead at Monza a week ago, persuading the Italian press that the Finn should become Massa's number two.

"We are a team, and to get results it is crucial that everyone gives their contribution," Brazilian Massa, who on Friday wrapped up the Italian team's Mugello test, is quoted as saying at the test circuit by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Last year when Kimi won the title, I won as well," he added. "I have given my maximum contribution, and this year we are all working the same to achieve everything we can."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is fully supportive of Raikkonen amid his current performance slump.

"I am confident he will recover soon," he said, playing down reports that Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso would be a better 2009 lineup.

"They are both going well," the Italian admitted, "but with all due respect I am pleased with our pilots, which is why we have offered them contracts through to 2010. We believe in stability."

Montezemolo, however, made clear that he is not looking forward to next weekend's inaugural Singapore grand prix.

"I have the feeling it will be one of those letdowns where you cannot overtake, like Valencia," he said.

"Keeping going with these kind of circuits is a bad idea for the future of formula one."

Source: GMM