Felipe Massa is convinced Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix will finally kickstart Ferrari's dire year.

After his worst opening to a Formula One season, Massa broke his points duck by finishing sixth 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 the world title. He has now retracted that statement and is full of fight despite being 38 points behind championship leader Jenson Button.

"I've not raised the white flag for this season," he said.

"It is quite realistic to say that catching up the leader seems to be almost impossible but that doesn't mean we've given up.

"The time for a comeback always comes and - more than ever - I'm certain it will. I really think Monte Carlo can be the turning point in our season."