Felipe Massa hopeful of Ferrari contract extension

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian driver Felipe Massa hopes his second-placing at the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix will be enough to secure his position with Ferrari next year.

The 31-year-old has been under pressure after a poor start to the season with reports suggesting Ferrari could replace him with Force India`s Nico Hulkenberg or Paul di Resta. "The conversation we have been having until now has been that it (a contract extension) should happen," Massa revealed in an interview with Brazilian media Sunday. "I`m hoping it will be confirmed as soon as possible." The result at Suzuka Sunday was Massa`s best finish since the 2010 German Grand Prix and the fifth consecutive race in which he has accumulated points. "I`m relieved after having gone such a long period without a podium finish," Massa said. "This shows that we are here to fight with the leaders and win races." Massa is currently ninth in the driver standings with 69 points, 125 points behind championship leader and Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso. IANS