Massa: Don't cut salaries

F1 teams and the governing FIA have agreed a package of measures, including a ban on testing during the season and affordable engines for independent teams, to slash outgoings from this season.

A salary cap for drivers has not yet been suggested but shedding staff may be on the agenda for all teams.

"For sure I'm not happy if they cut my salary," last season's runner-up said at Ferrari's ski retreat.

"We just need to work hard because in Formula One we know we have a lot of engineers and people.

"First we have to look at areas where we can cut the money, not kicking people out. This is a priority."

Honda has pulled out of F1 because of the global economic crisis and is running out of time to find a buyer for its team ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Australia on March 29.

Massa, who lost the world title last year to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by a point, said new rules this year could make the season wide open.

Cars have new aerodynamic designs to boost overtaking, slick tyres have returned and the Kinetic Energy Recovery System will take time for drivers to get used to.

"Everyone starts from zero. Maybe Lewis will be the main competitor, maybe not," he said.

"When so many things change, it may change. Some teams could go backwards, big teams could start well. It's difficult to say. But McLaren, BMW and Renault will be competitive."

Despite finishing second last year, Massa has been given car number four by the FIA for this season while team-mate Kimi Raikkonen has number three despite the 2007 world champion having a disappointing campaign last year.

Massa tried to play down the significance - but was a little aggrieved.

"It means nothing, numbers are just numbers but maybe the FIA has made a mistake," he said.

"It doesn't make a difference. It's important we both have good cars."