New Contract Discussions Between Massa And Ferrari

Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has said that he and the Maranello-based team are talking with regards to the 2013 F1 season. Many insiders expect Massa to be replaced by Mexican Sauber driver Sergio Perez next year, but a strong second half of the season could be enough for the Brazilian to keep his Ferrari seat for yet another season.

In 2006, the Paulista moved up to Ferrari’s race team, driving alongside multiple World Champion Michael Schumacher before playing a major factor in Finnish current Lotus driver Kimi Räikkönen’s title win in 2007. One year later Massa missed out on the F1title by one single point as McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton narrowly took the crown.

“At the moment, I am concentrating completely on the upcoming races,” the Brazilian said at a road safety event in São Paulo. “Thanks to a great job from the team, the performance has clearly improved and I feel very motivated to do well.”

When quizzed over next year, the 31 year old Ferrari driver replied: “It’s being discussed, but there’s no hurry to decide nor to say anything. The important thing for me is to fight for the podium, even if my team-mate is ahead of me in the championship. The priority is always to try and finish in the top three, but if in a race Fernando is ahead of me, given his position I will try and help him all the same.”

Before he joined Ferrari, Massa raced with Sauber in 2002, 2004 and 2005, finishing the three respective championship years in 13th, 12th and 13th positions overall. In his maiden Ferrari season, Massa picked up three pole positions and two race victories.