Felipe Massa confident of new Formula 1 contract for 2014

The Brazilian has showed improved form this year but after seven races still lies 47 points adrift of team-mate Fernando Alonso - and his tally will be vital amid a tight constructors' championship battle.

Massa's chances of being retained by Ferrari are boosted with one his potential rivals for the seat, Mark Webber, announcing this weekend that he is switching to sportscars.

But Massa knows nothing can be taken for granted amid the annual battle for leading race seats.

"I am confident I will be here [in Formula 1]," said Massa, when asked by AUTOSPORT about his feelings on the future.

"I think I have a good chance to stay at Ferrari, so we wait and see. I think I will just concentrate on the races, because the result is what counts for me.

"I am just looking forward to having good races and I am optimistic that I will stay in Formula 1 and a good chance to stay here [at Ferrari]."

Massa said that until Ferrari had decided what it wanted to do he had to keep an eye out for other options on the grid, including the vacant Red Bull seat.

"I think when you have a team that is winning championships and is winning the last three years, I think it is always an opportunity," he explained.

"Everybody wants to drive in a quick car; but as I said, I am happy where I am and there is a good chance to stay here.

"But for sure we need to be open in case there is not a possibility to stay here. We need to be open for everywhere."

Although Webber has elected to turn his back on F1 for a switch to sportscars with Porsche, Massa has ruled out a move to endurance racing.

"I don't know what I will do when I stop, but I will stay racing somewhere," he said.

"I am not sure if I will be at Le Mans as I don't like the idea of having three different categories together, with 20 seconds difference from one car to another.

"I prefer a short race where I will be fighting everybody in the same category, and fighting from the beginning to the end. The DTM I like, but I have no idea when I decide to stop.

"I hope I still have some years in front to finish my career in the best way I can; fighting for more victories and championships."