Serious talks about the extension of Felipe Massa’s Ferrari contract have begun, according to Finland’s Turun Sanomat.
But the newspaper also reports that Brazilian Massa’s manager Nicolas Todt has held exploratory talks with other formula one teams — perhaps Renault.
Rumours have linked current Renault driver Robert Kubica as well as Red Bull’s Mark Webber with the 2011 seat alongside Fernando Alonso, with Massa’s current contract set to expire in December.
The 29-year-old has also been struggling with Maranello based Ferrari’s F10 car.
"We have a long contract with Alonso, and we trust Massa," team boss Stefano Domenicali is quoted as saying. "He is doing a good job."
Massa said: "I like it very much at Ferrari — I know everybody and everybody knows me.
"But it is always encouraging to know that there are others with fast cars who are interested in me.
"The main objective is to continue with Ferrari," he added.