After Stefano Domenicali suggested on Sunday that an announcement was imminent Ferrari did indeed confirm today that Felipe Massa will stay on for 2013.
The team says that it issued the news earlier than planned to end speculation, but the fact that it is a one-year deal and a Ferrari seat will once again be up for grabs in 2014 will only add fuel to the rumours about who might be heading to Maranello.
Massa’s recent upswing in form has been timed perfectly, with his second place in Japan followed by fourth – behind his team mate – in Korea last weekend.
“I am very happy to have reached this agreement,” said Massa. “Ferrari is my racing family and throughout my entire time in Formula 1, I have always driven cars powered by engines built in Maranello: I can’t see myself driving cars propelled by anything else!
“First and foremost, I want to thank President Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, who had faith in me and who have always supported me, even at the most difficult moments.
“The team and also all the fans can rest assured that I will do all in my power to help the Scuderia reach the targets it sets itself each year.”
“We are pleased to have extended our relationship with Felipe for a further year,” added Domenicali. “He has been part of our family for over a decade and has shown, especially in this recent part of the season, that he is once again competitive at the highest level, which is what is expected of every driver who gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
“We have always supported Felipe, even in the most difficult moments of his career and we are certain of his worth and are sure he will know how to repay the confidence this renewal proves we have in him.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Golden: “I can’t see myself driving cars propelled by anything else!” and “President Montezemolo”. Feels like a Fellini movie mixed with “Un chien andalou”.
So, for sure, Massa will still be living his dream with Scuderia Ferrari Kaspersky Tata while driving his heart out, y’know. Né? Tudo que digo p’ra você.