Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has quashed rumours that Felipe Massa will be replaced at the end of the season.
The Italian is adamant that Massa, and teammate Fernando Alonso, will remain with the team in 2012, despite persistent rumours that Jenson Button or Mark Webber could replace the Brazilian.
“Massa and Alonso always bring something more,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “Alonso is super, Massa is coming back: I think the drivers are not a problem. This is the time for gossip, but next year’s drivers will remain Alonso and Massa.”
Montezemolo, 63, also agreed with his drivers optimism for the current season after Alonso took his and the teams first win of the season at the British GP. The two drivers still believe they can secure the title, despite huge points deficits to leader, Sebastian Vettel.
“He’s right to hope because where there’s a will there’s a way,” he added. “We are all disappointed that we weren’t where we wanted to be at the beginning of the season and that’s why I’m pleased with the Silverstone victory, with a show of superiority that gives us great hope.
“We’ll work it all out at the end and meanwhile we’ll keep working for next year. We’ll count the points at the end. In the meantime we are working with next year in mind too. The victory has certainly come at the right time, after a lot of work. I asked for a great reaction and I thank our men for the effort and the capabilities shown.”
