Sergio Perez focused on Sauber job despite Ferrari speculation

The Mexican is a member of Ferrari's young driver programme and tested for the Italian squad last year.

Massa has had a poor run of form since his accident in qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix. This year's season opener in Melbourne continued the trend, qualifying 16th before clashing with Bruno Senna in the race.

Perez had a successful year in 2011 and is highly rated by the Italian team.

However, Perez poured cold water on the talk of a change, saying: "It was only the first race of the season, so very early to speculate. I am really focused with my team, with Sauber, we have a great car and there is nothing else I can say."

He added: "The rumours... they are only rumours."

Perez's weekend contrasted with that of Massa in Melbourne, with a spirited drive that saw him finish in eighth position after gearbox woes left him to start in last position.

The 22-year old Mexican added: "I feel really fine now in my second year, I know what to expect a bit more, as well I think everybody is very close, the mid teams to top teams are close so in some conditions we can have some surprises, hopefully we can have a stable weekend this time."