AUGUST 7, 2015

Massa says 2016 Williams deal still not done

Felipe Massa is still hopeful he will be retained by Williams for the 2016 season.

Felipe Massa is still hopeful he will be retained by Williams for the 2016 season.

Earlier, the Brazilian said he felt trusted and wanted by the British team and expected to stay for a third consecutive year.

Now, on a visit to his native country during the summer break, the 34-year-old told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "My plan is to continue in Williams.

"I'm happy with a team that respects me," Massa said at a Samsung event. "Nothing has been announced yet, nothing has been done, but I believe that I will continue for next season.

"At least that is my desire and I see no reason for the team not to have the same desire as well," Massa added.

Massa said he is happy with how Williams' season is progressing, even though the Grove team has fallen behind Ferrari.

"At the moment we have a car that, depending on the track, is sometimes a little better than the Ferrari and sometimes a little worse," he explained.

Massa also told UOL Esporte: "I'm happy, super-competitive, I have a team that respects me 100 per cent, a very nice job in Williams -- satisfied."

As for his new deal for 2016, he explained: "The right time for this to happen has not arrived yet, but the way things are going right now, I do not think it will take long."

(GMM)