Felipe Massa is sure that he is no longer driving for his Formula 1 future at Ferrari, after delivering a podium finish in Japan last weekend.
The Brazilian finished in the top three of a grand prix for the first time in three years at Suzuka, with a result that boosted his chances of remaining at the Italian squad next year. Although no final decision has been taken by Ferrari chiefs about who will line up alongside Fernando Alonso next year, Massa reckons that he has done enough now to prove he is worthy of a fresh contract at the Maranello team.
When asked whether he believed the podium finish in Japan was a boost for his career, Massa said: "I think it was very important for me, actually. I am here to try and achieve results. I never raced to be just on the track, to just drive a car that I like to drive. I never raced for that. I raced to achieve the results, and I was always able to achieve in the categories that I did. So I think that is what gives me happiness, because when you stay a long time without the results you are not happy.
"I think it [the podium] was very, very important for me, more than anything – important for the future, important for all the way you work, the way the team is happy. So I think for sure it was very important for everything."
He added: "I don't think the result of this race will be important for my future, it is nothing to do with that – I am 100% sure. I think I am really in the right direction now."