- 16 Sep 13, 14:23#373848Massa eyeing vacant Lotus seat for 2014
Felipe Massa: "In my opinion, Lotus has a competitive car, which is what I want"
Massa will be replaced by Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next season, opening up the possibility of a straight swap next year. Lotus has confirmed it is in talks with a number of drivers about 2014 and will make a decision "shortly".
Massa said Lotus appeals to him as the most competitive option remaining on the grid.
"We are negotiating," he told Globo Esporte. "In my opinion, Lotus has a competitive car, which is what I want.
"We are having many conversations to try to find a way, not only for me but for Lotus, to continue with a good car."
Massa revealed he had also talked to McLaren, but said Lotus is currently his best option.
"I've had contact with McLaren but I cannot judge, it's hard to say," he added. "With Lotus, the contact was very good."
Last week Massa's manager Nicolas Todt told Canal Plus that Massa is determined to land a deal at a competitive team next year.
"He never would go to a smaller team to be second driver," Todt said. "We need to find a car that can challenge at the front in F1. The best place available is undoubtedly the one left by Raikkonen at Lotus."
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Won't it be a HOOT if he gets the Lotus seat and Lotus do a Mercedes next year and Ferrari do a McLaren. Ok unlikely, but the 1% chance of it happening might just spur Massa on eyeing a fresh challenge...away from the environment he's been in for donkey years...as a donkey.
Breaking News:Lewis Hamilton has officially overtaken The Fonz in race wins. With 88 races less. Lol(Without a specially built blown diffuser, illegal front wing, preferential treatment)