Massa Still Has a Chance at Ferrari

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Team Boss Stefano Domenicali says that Felipe Massa has not completely squandered his chance to drive for the team next season. If his performance improves, he will be able to stay with the team. 

"[Massa] needs to maximize the performance that he can because we need his capabilities behind the wheel. We need points to try to attack first place in the constructors' championship, and also to take away points from the other drivers in the drivers' championship," said Domenicali. 

Massa currently sits in 14th place, 139 points behind his teammate Fernando Alonso. Massa's lack of performance is a mostly responsible for Ferrari being in fourth place in the constructors' championship. Alonso has a 40-point lead in first place in the drivers' championship. Ferrari is 57 points behind Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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in first and three points behind LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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in third. 

Still, it is hard to place all of the blame on Massa when technical director Patrick Fry is constantly saying that the car is not competitive and giving the weather credit for Alonso's wins. The team has been working on the car for the month and improving its aerodynamics. 

Ferrari had wanted Mark Webber to be the team's second driver for 2013, but he re-signed his contract with Red Bull. The rumors that Ferrari Driver Academy member Sergio Perez might get the spot seem to have ended. While Massa is certainly not the best driver on the grid, there are not many qualified drivers left to fill the spot, and it is unlikely that Ferrari would hire a rookie. 

If Massa stays on the team, it will be his eighth season. He has not been on the podium since the 2010 German Grand Prix. 

Source: Autosport