FELIPE Massa expects another fight on his hands to score points in tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The Brazilian, who drives for Grove-based Williams, was 16th and 11th fastest in yesterday’s practice sessions.

Massa sits 11th in the standings, but the south Oxon team are also playing catch-up, trailing Force India by three points for fourth in the constructors championship with five races to go.

After a testing race in Malaysia last weekend, the 35-year-old, who finished 13th after he was forced to start from the pits due to a throttle issue, before picking up a puncture, is prepared for another challenge.

But Massa remains upbeat after a trouble-free practice.

He said: “I think we need to analyse where we are compared to our competitors because this weekend is going to be another fight, but I hope we can have a good one.”

Teammate Valtteri Bottas had a straightforward Friday, setting the tenth and ninth-fastest times.

Kevin Magnussen endured a frustrating race for Enstone-based Renault in Malaysia, retiring after 17 laps.

A first-lap collision between Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg led to the Dane needing a new front wing after the pack took action to avoid hitting the pair.

Magnussen, who was 19th and 15th fastest yesterday, said: “I left the race with a positive vibe.”

Teammate Jolyon Palmer bids to build on claiming his first point of the season six days ago, but was 22nd and 18th fastest.

Romain Grosjean enjoyed a consistent day for Banbury-based Haas, setting the 14th and 13th quickest times, while Esteban Gutierrez was 17th in both sessions.

l CHIPPING Norton's Sean Walkinshaw finished fourth in the overall Blancpain Sprint Cup standings after the last round at the Circuit de Barcelona.

Along with Ricardo Sanchez, he helped the Nissan GT Academy Team RJN to fourth place in both the Silver Cup qualification and main races.