No one better on market to replace me – Massa

**Hornet** · 12th October 2012, 17:16

Yeah, I think its most probably contract details, for two reason.

Firstly, Massa have said last week that things are heading in the right direction now, he wouldn't say this if he didn't believe he will have a contract.
Then this week he said his strong result in Japan wouldn't account for his future although its important to him, which hints that decisions have already been taken and Ferrari is no longer evaluating results in Japan.

Massa looked very happy and positive, so I would think that a contract with Ferrari has probably been offered.

**eddie** · 12th October 2012, 17:45

Terms of contract. I am very hopeful it will be done and concluded soon.

But in f1 anything can happen. Lewis took a 180 degrees u-turn on decisions as well, so we never really know...

Fingers X. Massa and Ferrari can both agree.

**wisepie** · 12th October 2012, 18:29

And so the tension goes on, not just over the very positive showing in FP1/2 in Korea by both Felipe and Fernando and the hope they can replicate it tomorrow in quali, but whether Felipe can give it his all with the knowledge that he's safe for another year at least. This waiting game is doing my head in so God knows how difficult it has been for him, even if he does already know his destiny. I think I'll spend the whole weekend on my knees, we need a real matador for those Red Bulls.

**Tifoso84** · 12th October 2012, 22:24

Felipe's contract saga is quite bizarre indeed. It's been going on and on for months now, and before the Japanese GP people were saying that the announcement of Felipe's new contract with Ferrari is imminent, but now everything's quiet again. That is really weird.

Because if the deal had been done, then they would've definitely announced it by now.

Who knows, perhaps Kimi will announce something really surprising next week on 17th of October. Nothing is impossible in F1.
Although, I really wouldn't mind if Felipe would stay with us for at least one more year. He has certainly improved a lot this season.

**Poltergeistes** · 14th October 2012, 06:57

there's 2 points people are making in brazilian press.

1 would be that ferrari isn't signing felipe and is doing like a bizarre game holding a salsage in front of a dog focrcing him to run, so that way felipe would have to do whatever is needed to do to help fernando until the very last race.

2 and this is the main thought (all the people who has credits in F1 coverage) that felipe is staying, and that it's only small details that arebeing worked out thats all. i hope this is all, and i think it is because felipe seems very confident and secure, not looking like a man who's riding a guillotine.

**Giallo 550** · 14th October 2012, 08:44

Okay, so who's going to be the first to complain about Felipe now? Any takers?

**eddie** · 14th October 2012, 08:59

Originally Posted by eddie

Wanna bet? If the red car is competitive this weekend, we will see Felipe taking big points

Confidence is a spiral for many people. We saw how Grosj lost his last weekend and how Felipe regained his...

This weekend, Grosj will likely even take a dip just to avoid hitting anyone. Any competitive athlete will tell you the same. If you loose confidence prior to a match, the match is already loss. It's all in the head...

As predicted, Massa has found his confidence. We will know need to improve the car to give Alonso a chance at WDC.

Notice how Grosj lost 2 places at the start just to keep it clean and clear

**Forzi** · 14th October 2012, 09:06

Originally Posted by Giallo 550

Okay, so who's going to be the first to complain about Felipe now? Any takers?

Uh uh I got a complain!

He was too close to Fernando today. Even had to be told by Rob to back off. Should go for DiResta, atleast he wouldn't create these problematic situations

**prancing horse** · 14th October 2012, 09:18

great drive again.

Hopefully his upturn in form will be here to stay and not an end of season flash in the pan

**Bruno** · 14th October 2012, 09:21

if he is driving "that good" now...it just shows how reckless he's been all this time

**Giallo 550** · 14th October 2012, 09:24

Originally Posted by Bruno

if he is driving "that good" now...it just shows how reckless he's been all this time

**Forzi** · 14th October 2012, 09:25

Originally Posted by Bruno

if he is driving "that good" now...it just shows how reckless he's been all this time

So you're not happy that he's driving great, and you'd still be unhappy if drove badly?

**Bruno** · 14th October 2012, 09:28

Originally Posted by Forzi

So you're not happy that he's driving great, and you'd still be unhappy if drove badly?

no..I'm happy he is doing good...I'm just questioning why he hasnt done that before.

**eddie** · 14th October 2012, 09:59

Originally Posted by Bruno

no..I'm happy he is doing good...I'm just questioning why he hasnt done that before.

Simple. He has found confidence.

**Ken** · 14th October 2012, 11:02

I watched the race on BBC to day and loved the smile on Rob Smedely's face when Filipe passed Hamilton, it was priceless

We did well today all things considered, Vettel's WDC lead is only 6 points so the fight is on and we can still win it.

There is even an outside chance of the constructors title, 77 points with 200 still up for grabs.

**brembo man** · 14th October 2012, 11:13

Massa is doing great. All us fans can chill out, he wasn't going anywhere anyway. He drives for FERRARI! The only temptation he could have is when Kimi goes back to detox, AA, his ride will be available.

**scuderiafan** · 14th October 2012, 11:28

Here is my criticism of Felipe...
His neck is weird!

But seriously, Felipes best tracks seem to be anti clockwise (turkey, Bahrain, Brazil, Korea, Suzuka 0.5)

I remember reading that it requires a stonger neck for these races as the cars don't normally turn left so much.
I guess Felipe's neck is one of the strongest, because he seems to love these tracks.

**wacc** · 14th October 2012, 11:50

Felipe Massa secures Ferrari future, deal imminent

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103449

Congratz Felipe. Wish you strong season 2013 with Scuderia Ferrari.

**Ken** · 14th October 2012, 12:21

Looks good for Fillipe

**flam147** · 14th October 2012, 12:32

Originally Posted by Ken

I watched the race on BBC to day and loved the smile on Rob Smedely's face when Filipe passed Hamilton, it was priceless

We did well today all things considered, Vettel's WDC lead is only 6 points so the fight is on and we can still win it.

There is even an outside chance of the constructors title, 77 points with 200 still up for grabs.

lets hope we can get both . But i think you will find that it is 172 still up to grab

**FrankAlfa** · 14th October 2012, 13:57

Congratulations to Felipe Massa and he finding his grove again. I am very happy for OUR 2008' Driver's Champion! He is a true Ferrari Driver. He is telling me and everyone else that he has not lost his ability and he is not pasat his prime!

Forza Felipe Massa!

Ciao.

Forza Ferrari!!!!

**wisepie** · 14th October 2012, 18:31

I'll say it again, bravo Felipe and there's no reason to replace him, great drive and a real team player. Still won't believe it until it's official, though.

**racingbradley** · 14th October 2012, 18:40

Originally Posted by wisepie

I'll say it again, bravo Felipe and there's no reason to replace him, great drive and a real team player. Still won't believe it until it's official, though.

Me toooooooooooooooooooo
Oh I wish they would hurry up.

**Hornet** · 14th October 2012, 19:30

I think we'll finally hear all the announcements in this week.

Past couple of weeks teams have been away in Asia, and this week will present an opportunity for the team to make announcements back at their HQ before heading out again for the remaining races.