Felipe Massa no longer driving to save his Ferrari future

The Brazilian finished in the top three of a grand prix for the first time in three years at Suzuka, with a result that will have boosted his chances of remaining at the Italian outfit next year.

And 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 outfit.

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."