Ferrari: Massa could Stay Long
Brazilian Felipe Massa has been told he could have a long-term future as a Ferrari driver if he does well next year
"I'm quite happy with the choice and it's really up to him to prove next year whether he's a long-term Ferrari driver or not," said technical director Ross Brawn at the weekend's inaugural Turkish Grand Prix.
"If he does well I'm sure he can be."
Massa, 24, has been signed to replace BAR-bound compatriot Rubens Barrichello and is managed by Nicolas Todt, son of Ferrari boss Jean.
The young driver will test for both Ferrari and current team Sauber at Monza this week before the Italian Grand Prix on September 4.
His race deal with Ferrari is for one year but he has been under contract to the Italian team since 2001, although he has only ever raced for Ferrari-powered Sauber.
Massa has yet to step up to the Grand Prix podium, with fourth place his best finish, and retired from Sunday's race with an engine problem.
Brawn said the Brazilian, who was a Ferrari tester in 2003, was 'the best solution' to fill Barrichello's shoes next year.
"He has got the talent," he said. "We are going to find out next year exactly how much progress he has made but it looks to us like he has always had the speed. He just needed experience."
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