Massa believes that new Ferrari deal is very close
26 September, 2012
Sep.26 (GMM) Felipe Massa has admitted he is on the verge of agreeing a new deal to stay with Ferrari in 2013, despite long running doubts about his future at the Maranello based squad.
Blick newspaper reported this week that Ferrari is set to keep the Brazilian for an eighth consecutive season next year, with Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport agreeing that an announcement could be imminent.
Asked by the Brazilian sports daily ‘Lance!’ how close he is to securing a new contract, the 31-year-old driver answered: “Very close.”
Asked when he expects the final decision to be made, Massa added: “It’s hard to say.
“When you have nothing (signed), there is no certainty, but it shouldn’t take long until I have a clear understanding of the situation.”
Asked what he made of team president Luca di Montezemolo’s recent statement that Sergio Perez is not ready to race for Ferrari, Massa admitted: “It shows that Ferrari is planning to continue with me.”
But, amid reports Nico Hulkenberg and Heikki Kovalainen are also in the frame for the 2013 seat, what if Ferrari ultimately chooses someone else?
Can Massa imagine leaving F1 altogether?
“Why not? But I don’t think that will happen in the near future,” he insisted. “I am thinking of continuing in formula one as a professional driver with the potential to win races.”
With his Brazilian compatriots Rubens Barrichello and Lucas di Grassi having headed to Indycar and world touring cars respectively after F1, Massa was asked if he can rule out doing the same.
“I have no idea,” he answered. “I haven’t even thought about it.
“At the moment I am only thinking about continuing in formula one. And the possibility of that happening is good.”
Related posts:
- Zanardi believes that Ferrari will oust Massa
- Chance of new Ferrari deal better now believes Massa
- Kubica and Massa play down Ferrari rumours
- Ferrari boss unwilling to discuss Massa contract
- Massa ‘close’ to new 3-year Ferrari deal
NOOOO!!!
with the way felipe has performed in the past seasons, it was from bad to worse. his recent comebacks were a tad too late to impress me and i just don’t know why the maranello squad wants him to partner fernando for 2013. is it really because fernando doesn’t want a teammate that will be a threat to him? i just pity ferrari if they’ll sign felipe to partner fernando for 2013. with the attitude that felipe is showing, i think it’s time for him to say goodbye to f1 and move on to another motorsport where he can achieve once again, maybe in gp3 or gp2 i think?
I agree.
@GPFanatic: Hulk’s name comes up because he has far more raw speed than Di Resta. He’s quick in any car and any condition. Saying he’s always beaten by Di is an absolute fabrication of your imagination.
I believe Massa will stay under “Ferrari contract” just not in F1. I think he will end up being team mates with Giancarlo Fisichella racing touring cars in the Le Mans Series and World Endurance Championship.
Why does Nico Hulkenberg always pops up everytime a top team is rumored to have an open race seat? He is almast always being beaten by his teammate who won a championship not from an open wheel race car, but from DTM! That is a real racer man…
And secondly, Heikki had two chances – McLaren and Renault – both championship team at those time but he just won one race!