Felipe Massa still confident of retaining Ferrari seat

Although Massa's form has improved of late, the Brazilian has endured a poor season and is 143 points behind his team-mate and world championship leader Fernando Alonso.

Massa, who's best finishes this year are two fourth places at Silverstone and Monza, believes that continuing his current form can only help his chances of staying in the seat he's occupied for seven seasons.

When asked if there had been a decision on his future in the pre-Japanese Grand Prix press conference, Massa replied: "I think nothing at the moment, but [I'm] pretty confident that things will be okay..."

With Sergio Perez having gone to McLaren on a multi-year deal, Massa is no longer under pressure to be replaced by the Mexican, but Hulkenberg in particular is strongly tipped to have a one-year deal with Ferrari.

Ferrari has also accepted that it needs more frequent hauls of points from its second car if it is to feature prominently in the constructors' championship.

"Well I think maybe...I don't know," said Massa on his chances of staying at Ferrari. "I think as I said I am pretty confident that things are going in the right direction, also Sergio [Perez] is doing a good job this year so I think he has shown his performance and I am happy that he can sign for a big team as well.

"Let's concentrate to have a good result and we will see. Until things are not signed, better to not talk too much and concentrate on the job and that is the right direction.

"I hope we can have a good race here, and a good end to the championship - that is important for me, the team, everybody."