JULY 3, 2015

Massa confident of keeping Williams seat

Felipe Massa is confident he will keep his seat at Williams in 2016.

Felipe Massa is confident he will keep his seat at Williams in 2016.

"Why not?" the diminutive Brazilian smiled at Silverstone.

Brazil's Globo quoted team technical boss Pat Symonds as saying the former Ferrari driver Massa alongside Valtteri Bottas is among the best pairing he has seen "in the 30 years I have worked in formula one".

It is believed 34-year-old Massa, who joined Williams in 2014, has an 'option' in his current contract for 2016.

"I like to work here," he said on Thursday, "the team has treated me with great respect, we have performed well. I have not been talking to anyone else.

"So why change something?"

Massa has made no secret that he is happier now than when he raced under severe pressure for Ferrari, the most famous name on the F1 grid.

"The important thing is to be happy," he admitted, "and to work in a place where you are respected.

"Next year I think, yes, I will continue here."

And Massa said he thinks his relationship with the media is better today than it was at times in the past.

"I had some very complicated, difficult moments," he is quoted by Globo. "I think if I am here today with a successful career, without doubt it is because of my talent, not because I am the darling of the press."

(GMM)