The Ferrari star was one of several drivers who set their best times on slick tyres, as Bridgestone brought nine sets of groove-less rubber for each team to test in preparation for the return of old-style slicks in 2009.
Ferrari also unveiled a new front end design, which had been the subject of many rumours in recent weeks.
The upgraded nose section has two large slots cut into its top surface just above the front suspension, which are intended to create additional downforce.
Massa set a best time of 1m18.339s, which was comfortably ahead of Honda tester Alex Wurz in second place.
McLaren number three Pedro de la Rosa was only third-fastest, and 3s off Bahrain winner Massa's pace, but the team had adjusted the car to an approximation of the very different 2009 aerodynamic regulations.
While the top three all used slicks for their best times, BMW's Nick Heidfeld was fourth on 2008 tyres, a tenth slower than de la Rosa.
Nelson Piquet completed the top five for Renault, and was one of four drivers to cause a brief red flag.
Piquet, Timo Glock, and Kazuki Nakajima all had spins, while Heidfeld prompted a stoppage when he halted on-track after a warning light came on.
Nine of the 11 Formula 1 teams were in action today.
Toro Rosso was present in the paddock but did not plan to test until tomorrow, while Super Aguri is sitting out this week's test while its deal with new buyer the Magma Group is finalised.
