Michael BaileyThe slow pace of Lotus and the two other new teams on the 2010 Formula One grid could be a danger to the leading drivers, according to Felipe Massa.Ferrari's number two fears the Norfolk marque, as well as Virgin Racing and Hispania - formerly Campos Meta - will become threatening obstacles to the more established teams, who have been up to five seconds quicker during pre-season testing at Jerez and Barcelona.Michael Bailey

The slow pace of Lotus and the two other new teams on the 2010 Formula One grid could be a danger to the leading drivers, according to Felipe Massa.

Ferrari's number two fears the Norfolk marque, as well as Virgin Racing and Hispania - formerly Campos Meta - will become threatening obstacles to the more established teams, who have been up to five seconds quicker during pre-season testing at Jerez and Barcelona.

Hispania are yet to put in a lap with their new car.

With the new season starting in Bahrain this weekend, Massa said: 'I hope they won't be a danger.

'There are six to seven teams one second apart while those teams are four seconds behind. It's not good for the sport and not good for them. It's like two different series.

'They'll suffer. And we'll suffer too, when we have them in front of us during qualifying.'

The Brazilian missed the second half of last season following a crash during qualifying in Hungary, from which Massa injured his head.

But he is back for 2010 and looking forward to challenging for the championship.

'There are many competitive teams,' he said. 'Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, maybe Williams. And we are in there for sure.'