The Sepang circuit is a more traditional track than the temporary Albert Park track, and the Brazilian believes Ferrari will be on stronger form after being outpaced by Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Williams and BMW Sauber in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
"We've been to tracks like Bahrain, Jerez and Barcelona which are more like here, so I hope our car will behave in a similar way to how it was at these tracks," said Massa.
"We need to recover, we need to start scoring points and start the championship in a good way here. And we need to develop the car. It's not such a different start to what I had last year, so we need a similar mentality."
Although hopeful of an improved performance in Malaysia, Massa ruled out being able to challenge the Brawns for victory. However, he believes that Brawn GP does not have more pace in reserve.
"He [Jenson Button] showed everything because he was four seconds in front [by the end of the first lap in Australia]. They were seven or eight tenths ahead in qualifying with more fuel, so if he didn't show it I would be very scared.
"In the race, everyone forgets that we had two safety cars. Everyone thinks how far Jenson finished in front, but everyone forgets qualifying, the beginning of the race, the pace. Brawn are on another planet."
Despite struggling with a car that appears unable to beat the Brawns in a straight fight, Massa insists that his motivation remains as strong as ever.
"The motivation is always high," he said. "I had a huge motivation even when I was at Sauber starting 12th on the grid. The driver always thinks about victory, so I will do the best I can to win the race. If it's not possible, then to finish in the best position."
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