Ferrari Not Hurrying to Extend Massa's Contract

Despite recent rumors that Felipe Massa's deal with Ferrari will be extended through 2013 – meaning a 3-year extra on his current contract – sources from within the Maranello organization have suggested that this topic is currently the last thing on the Italians' minds.

In addition, a Ferrari spokesman recently issued some comments on the matter, telling Italy's Sportevai the topic is “not currently a priority”.

Last week, media in both Brazil and Germany issued some reports suggesting that Ferrari is in a hurry to secure its 2011 lineup. Having just signed Fernando Alonso for a minimum of 3 years (with another 3 years coming as an option for the Scuderia), that would only mean Massa's future is on the line, especially since the Brazilian's contract is running out at the end of this year.

The reports came only days after Polish driver Robert Kubica was linked with a multi-year contract with Ferrari by Finland's Turun Sanomat. The 24-year old driver signed a one-year deal with Renault at the end of 2009, planning to have an open future at the end of 2010. Apparently, his next destination will be Ferrari, whom he may join from as early as 2011, pending some “various factors,” as noted by the GMM news agency.

As far as Felipe Massa goes, the Brazilian driver joined Ferrari at the beginning of 2006, and since then has won 11 races and made 30 podium appearances for the Prancing Horse. Through the 4 years he spent at Maranello, he was in the title hunt one time, back in 2008, when he lost the chance to become world champion by a single point.