Massa in Talks with BMW

BMW, current engines suppliers to Williams, completed the buyout of Sauber last month but no mention to any drivers has yet been made.

Massa's contract with Sauber expires at the end of this season, but the young Brazilian is already in talks with BMW about staying next year too.

Massa, however, said there were still other possibilities, but all within Formula One.

"The fact that BMW bought the team is good news, because Sauber will soon be at the level of the best," Massa told Autosprint.

"That's why I'm negotiating my contract for 2006, but at the same time I'm talking to others, because what I want is a competitive team all the times, not just in some races.

"With [BMW boss Mario] Theissen we met superficially, at the moment things haven't yet changed with the sale to BMW. I think the first new things will be seen in a few months' time.

"The drivers market is blocked at the moment; if one moves, he'll cause a chain reaction, considering that I can't see new drivers entering F1.

"It's reasonable to think that BMW would like to have a German driver but I'm not sure if they're in the position to get one. It's a developing situation, day after day."

Massa was linked with a move to Ferrari after rumours emerged about the possible exit of Rubens Barrichello at the end of 2005, despite the Brazilian having a year left of his contract.

Barrichello denied he had plans to leave the team, but at the same time admitted he was following the progress of rivals like BAR and Toyota.

Massa, who was Ferrari's test driver in 2003, has denied having any sort of contract with the World Champions.

"Not at the moment," he said. "Many think I race for Sauber with Ferrari engines only because I have a management contract with Nicolas Todt. Instead I think that if I race for Sauber it's because I've demonstrated that I have the potential and the ability to being able to do it.

"My contract is with Jean Todt's son, not himself. It's normal that many may think that there are family interests but in truth I try to do the best job I can and if the opportunity to race for another team without a Ferrari engine will come, I'll go with the same effort as now.

"It was simply the only opportunity I've had to drive in F1. I didn't sign with Sauber thinking that I could go directly to Ferrari. What I'm interested in is to drive for a great team regardless. Sauber will become that with BMW, but there are more around."

Despite not having a contract for next year yet, Massa is sure he will stay in F1.

"I'm convinced my future is still in F1," he added.