Ferrari says there is "no question" that Felipe Massa will remain at the team next year, despite speculation in recent weeks suggesting that he could move to another outfit in 2012.
Massa's future was thrown in doubt after a difficult start to this year, but his form improved on the back of a major rethink about his approach to car setup ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Having shown his turnaround in form in China, when he fought hard for a podium finish, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said on Friday that the Brazilian would definitely be a part of the Maranello-based team next year.
When asked in an interview with CNN International whether Massa's future with Ferrari was secure, di Montezemolo said: "Yes. He has a contract with us for this year [and] for next year. So absolutely, yes, no question about it."
Di Montezemolo also said that he hoped Fernando Alonso would remain part of Ferrari for many years yet.
"Alonso is very, very strong," he said. "He is one of the best drivers I have seen in my career, very strong in the mind, very pushing with the team, but in a constructive way, but also very close to the team. So I want to have Alonso for a long time."