F1 2013: Ferrari Insist Massa Still Key to Future Plans

Ferrari have revealed they have full confidence in Felipe Massa despite another difficult season for the Brazilian driver.

Massa has registered just 12 points from the last four races and his position at the Italian racing team has been called into question for the third year running.

The 32 year old spun out of the German Grand Prix last weekend, while a tyre blowout and two crashes at Monaco ruined any chance he had of finishing among the points.

With nine races haven already taken place Massa has just 57 points and is some 66 points behind fellow Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.

There has been some speculation that Ferrari would look to replace the vastly experienced Brazilian but it seems he has the full support of the team after president Luca di Montezemolo gave him a vote of confidence.

"Felipe is fully aware he can count on our total confidence in him," he said. "I hope he will soon secure the results that will show his talent to the full, such as the great starts he pulled off at the last two Grands Prix.

"The future? We will talk about that further down the line as there is no hurry."

Massa has previously faced exit rumours and may well be hoping that he has a change of fortunes next season when V6 engines are introduced.

A host of design changes are expected in 2014 and this could well help Massa as the team will most likely decide to go with experience.

Massa has always stated that he is confident he will remain at Ferrari next season, despite being out of contract at the end of the year, and it seems he also has the full backing of team principal Stefano Domenicali.

"I always said we have a lot of confidence in Felipe," said Domenicali. "I know this is a very critical, very tough moment because he is the first to be disappointed.

"The only thing to do is to stay always behind him and work hard with him because we need him to make sure we are fighting for the constructors' championship."